Hangman's Tree Poem by Dr Ian Inkster

The Hangman's Tree [traditional]

Hangman hangman, hold your hand oh hold it just a while
For there I see my father coming riding many a mile

Father have you brought me gold will you set me free
Or have you come to see me hung from the hangman's tree?

No, I haven't brought you gold I will not set you free
But I have come to see you hung From the hangman's tree

Hangman hangman, hold your hand oh hold it just a while
For there I see my mother coming riding many a mile

Mother have you brought me gold will you set me free
Or have you come to see me hung from the hangman's tree?

No, I haven't brought you gold I will not set you free
But I have come to see you hung From the hangman's tree

Hangman hangman, hold your hand oh hold it just a while
For there I see my sister coming riding many a mile

Sister have you brought me gold will you set me free
Or have you come to see me hung from the hangman's tree?

No, I haven't brought you gold I will not set you free
But I have come to see you hung From the hangman's tree

Hangman hangman, hold your hand oh hold it just a while
For there I see my sweetheart coming riding many a mile

Sweetheart have you brought me gold will you set me free
Or have you come to see me hung from the hangman's tree?

Yes oh yes, I've brought you gold I will set you free
for I have come to take you down From the hangman's tree