I Hung My Head
Blue Highway
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Early one morning with time to kill I borrowed a rifle and sat on the hill I saw a lone rider crossing the plain I drew a bead on him to practice my aim My brother's rifle went off in my hand A shot rang out across the land The horse, it kept running, the rider was dead I hung my head, I hung my head I set off running to wake from my dream My brother's rifle went into the stream I kept on running into the salt lands And that's where they found me My head in my hands The sheriff he asked me why had I run Then it came to me just what I had done And all for no reason, just one piece of lead I hung my head, I hung my head Here in the courthouse, the whole town is there I see the judge high up in his chair “Explain to the courtroom What went through your mind We'll ask the jury what verdict they find” I said, "I felt the power of death over life I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife I beg their forgiveness, I wish I were dead” I hung my head, I hung my head Early one morning with time to kill I see the gallows high up on the hill And off in the distance a trick of the brain I see a lone rider crossing the plain He's come to fetch me, to see what they’ve done We'll ride together to kingdom come I pray for God's mercy, for soon I'll be dead I hung my head, I hung my head, I hung my head
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
0 fans
Written by: GORDON SUMNER
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
5 facts about this song
Song Composition1. "I Hung My Head" was originally written and performed by Sting for his 1996 album, "Mercury Falling".
2. Sting is known for his fusion of jazz, rock, classical, and worldbeat in his music, which reflects on this song.
|
Cover Versions3. Johnny Cash covered "I Hung My Head" in his 2002 album, "American IV: The Man Comes Around", as part of his series of American Recordings.
4. Cash's cover of "I Hung My Head" is widely recognized and praised for adding his distinctive style and deeply resonant voice to the song.
5. The Blue Highway, a popular bluegrass band, also covered "I Hung My Head" in 2014, introducing the song to a new audience of bluegrass fans.
6. The Blue Highway’s version sticks to bluegrass instrumentation, offering a unique take on the song.
|
Song Theme and Lyrics7. The song "I Hung My Head" tells a vivid story of regret and redemption, a common theme in country and folk music, but unusual for Sting who was primarily known for pop and rock.
8. The lyrics tell the tale of a young man who accidentally kills another, then has to face the consequences of his actions – a theme that resonated with Johnny Cash's outlaw image.
|
Song Recognition9. Johnny Cash's version of "I Hung My Head" was prominently featured in the 2012 movie, "Flight", starring Denzel Washington.
10. Sting performed "I Hung My Head" at the 2014 Kennedy Center Honors, as part of a tribute to honoree Bruce Springsteen.
11. In a critical review of the album, music critic Robert Christgau praised Johnny Cash's cover and called it a "a virtuoso narrative."
|
Song Interpretation12. Some fans interpret the song as a metaphor for the guilt and self-reckoning one faces after making a huge mistake.
13. Other fans believe the song is a commentary on the serious consequences of thoughtless actions.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I Hung My Head Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8785963/Blue+Highway/I+Hung+My+Head>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the I Hung My Head Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In