The clock in the tower is now striking one
And who can I turn to and where can I run
It says in the Good Book an eye for an eye
A life I have taken, tomorrow I die
Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep
Perhaps when it's over, I'll be able to sleep

The clock in the tower is now striking three
I hope there is someone who's praying for me
I sit in the jailhouse, afraid of the dark
A rope will be waiting, a life will be gone
Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep
There'll be no one to miss me, there'll be no one to weep

The clock in the tower is now striking five
In just a few moments the guards will arrive
This sad world I'm leaving, and when I depart
The clock in the tower will stop with my heart
Build my gallows high, dig my grave down deep
Perhaps when it's over, I'll be able to sleep
I'll be able to sleep