Below The Gallows Tree

[Intro]        [Verse 1] Farewell ye dungeons dark and strong Farewell farewell to thee. MacPherson’s song will not be long Upon the gallows tree. [Chorus] "Say ron-ten-lee say won-ten-lee Say don-ten-lee" played he. He played a tune and he danced aroun’ Below the gallows tree. [Verse 2] Oh little did my mother know When first she cradled me That I would become a rovin’ boy And die on the gallows tree. [Chorus] "Say ron-ten-lee say won-ten-lee Say don-ten-lee" played he. He played a tune and he danced aroun’ Below the gallows tree. [Verse 3] Untie these bands from off my hands And give to me my bow. I’ve naught to leave my brave Scotland But a tune before I go. [Chorus] "Say ron-ten-lee say won-ten-lee Say don-ten-lee" played he. He played a tune and he danced aroun’ Below the gallows tree. [Verse 4] There’s some come here to see me hanged And some to steal my fiddle. But before that I do part with her I’ll break her through the middle. [Verse 5] He took the fiddle into both his hands He broke it o’er his knee Sayin’ "When I am gone no other hands Shall ever play on thee." [Chorus] "Say ron-ten-lee say won-ten-lee Say don-ten-lee" played he. He played a tune and he danced aroun’ Below the gallows tree. [Outro] He played a tune and danced aroun’ And they hanged him to the tree.