Released: November 5, 2002

Songwriter: Sting

Producer: Rick Rubin

[Verse 1: Johnny Cash]
Early one morning
With time to kill
I borrowed Jebb's 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, he kept running
The rider was dead

[Chorus: Johnny Cash]
I hung my head
I hung my head

[Verse 2: Johnny Cash]
I set off running
To wake from the dream
My brother's rifle
Went into the sheen
I kept on running
Into the south lands
That's where they found me
My head and my hands
The sheriff, he asked me
"Why had I run?"
And then it came to me
Just what I had done
And all for no reason
Just one piece of lead

[Chorus: Johnny Cash]
I hung my head
I hung my head

[Verse 3: Johnny Cash]
Here in the courthouse
The whole town was there
I see the judge
High up in his chair
"Explain to the courtroom
What went through your mind
And we'll ask the jury
What verdict they find"
I felt the power
Of death over life
I orphaned his children
I widowed his wife
I begged their forgiveness
I wish I was dead

[Chorus: Johnny Cash]
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my

[Verse 4: Johnny Cash]
Early one morning
With time to kill
I see the gallows
Up on the hill
And out in the distance
A trick of the brain
I see a lone rider
Crossing the plain
And he'd come to fetch me
To see what they'd done
And we'll ride together
To kingdom come
I pray for God's mercy
For soon I'll be dead

[Chorus: Johnny Cash]
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash (26 February 1932 – 12 September 2003) was an iconic singer and songwriter who primarily operated in the genre of country music, but was an integral figure in the popularization of rock and roll. One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, he was inducted into the country, rock and roll and gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Known for his somber and humble stage demeanor, he almost always started his concerts with a simple “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

Much of his catalog focuses on the human condition, sorrow, oppression and the hope of redemption. And his catalog is huge, rivaling that of Hank Williams Sr., David Bowie and Prince. Starting in the 50s and ending just before his death in 2003, his deep baritone voice is instantly recognized by music lovers the world over.