Tom Dooley (1866)
2-68
(wm) Anon. (First known recording) 1929, Grayson and Whitter (R) 1940, Frank Proffitt (RR) 1958 The Kingston Trio No. 1 chart record
[Chorus] Hang down your head, Tom Dooley.
Hang down your head and cry.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley.
Poor boy, you’re bound to die.

I met her on the mountain, there I took her life
Met her on the mountain, stabbed her with my knife
[To chorus]

This time tomorrow, reckon where I’ll be
Hadn’t-a been for Grayson, I’d-a been in Tennessee.
[To chorus]

This time tomorrow, reckon where I’ll be:
Down in some lonesome valley hangin’ from a white oak tree.
[To chorus]