[Verse 1]
Slack your rope hangman, slack it for a while
I think I see my father comin' ridin' many a mile
Father have you brought me hope or have you paid my fee
Or have you come to see me hangin' from the gallows tree?

[Refrain]
I have not brought you hope, I have not paid your fee
Yes I have come to see you hangin' from the gallows tree

[Verse 2]
Slack your rope hangman, slack it for a while
I think I see my mother comin' ridin' many a mile
Mother have you brought me hope or have you paid my fee
Or have you come to see me hangin' from the gallows tree?

[Refrain]
I have not brought you hope, I have not paid your fee
Yes I have come to see you hangin' from the gallows tree

[Verse 3]
Slack your rope hangman, slack it for a while
I think I see my brother comin' ridin' many a mile
Brother have you brought me hope or have you paid my fee
Or have you come to see me hangin' from the gallows tree?
[Refrain]
I have not brought you hope, I have not paid your fee
Yes I have come to see you hangin' from the gallows tree

[Verse 4]
Slack your rope hangman, slack it for a while
I think I see my true love comin' ridin' many a mile
True love have you brought me hope or have you paid my fee
Or have you come to see me hangin' from the gallows tree?

[Refrain]
Yes I have brought you hope, yes I have paid your fee
For I've not come to see you hangin' from the gallows tree