Johnny Hart he was a desperate little man
He had a razor and a pistol every day
Cut down a man on the free state line
You shoulda seen Johnny Hart getting away, oh Lord
See Johnny Hart getting away

Johnny Hart made a run for the free state line
There he thought he'd be free
Man came walking and a-grabbed him by the arm
Saying Johnny come along with me, poor boy
Johnny come along with me

Johnny Hart he wrote his mom and dad
Saying come here and go my bail
But money won't go his murdering charge
They laid Johnny Hart back in jail, oh Lord
Laid Johnny Hart back in jail

Now the first one to visit Johnny Hart in jail
Was the girl with the rag on her head
Said I never thought I'd see you in that jail
I believe I'd rather see you dead, Johnny Hart
I believe I'd rather see you dead

Now the next one to visit Johnny Hart in jail
Was his lively wife, she was so brave
Said I'd rather see you in your winding sheets
Than to see you on that long ragged chain, dear God
See you on that long ragged chain
Johnny Hart he stood in his jail cell
And a tear ran down his eye
Said I been the death of many deputy sheriff
My six gun has never told a lie, no Lord
My six gun has never told a lie

Well, I've run to the east, I've run to the west
I've run just as far as I can
If I ever get lose from this ball and chain
I'm gonna make it to the free state line, dear God
Make it to the free state line

You've guards to the east, guards to the west
You got guards this whole world 'round
But before I'll be a slave, I'll rot in your ground
You can take me to my hanging ground, Mr. Jailor
Take me to my hanging ground