Bad Tom Smith (single)

Bad Tom Smith

In bloody Breathitt County way down in Jackson town
They hung the meanest man alive with thousands gathered round
Many years of cold blood killing had brought him to this place
He stood there on that gallow high no fear upon his face

His pistols showed no prejudice so many he’d shot down
Politicians, drunkards, honest men he’d lay beneath the ground
Only he could say without a doubt the number that he’d slayed
But there’s one thing for certain he will pay for them today

Bad Tom Smith he’s in the ground for the awful crime he’s done
Many men he had shot down till he had nowhere to run

He confessed to every murder as his time here slipped away
But not before he’d been baptized in water that same day
On that old Kentucky River shore his family gathered round
He was singing the old gospel songs it was a mournful sound

Bad Tom Smith he’s in the ground for the awful crime he’s done
Many men he had shot down till he had nowhere to run

As he gazed out on the people there he had these words to say
Bad whiskey and bad women brought me where I am today
Let my fate serve as a warning not to do the things I’ve done
Your lives are still before you but my race down here is run

Bad Tom Smith he’s in the ground for the awful crime he’s done
Many men he had shot down till he had nowhere to run
Bad Tom Smith he’s in the ground for the awful crime he’s done
Many men he had shot down till he had nowhere to run

D.Carroll-Madkal music, BMI 2019