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01/21/2005 Entry: "long black veil"

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
Someone was killed, 'neath the town hall light

There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me

The judge said son, what is your alibi
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die
I spoke not a word, thou it meant my life
For I'd been in the arms of my best friend's wife

She walks these hills in a Long Black Veil(13:15)
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me

Oh, the scaffold is high and eternity's near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But late at night, when the north wind blows
In a long black veil, she cries ov're my bones

--
By: M. Wilkens & D. Dill
Originally recorded by J.R. Cash: 12/17/64

I'm gonna attempt this one at the gig on Saturday, but I'll make no promises. I've yet to finish singing the song all the way through without breaking down.

Johnny's version is great, but I like Joan Baez's even better. Dave Matthews also does a fine version.