Hand me down my banjo, I'll pluck in on my knee
By this time tomorrow, it'll be no use to me
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
By this time tomorrow, I reckon where I'll be
In some lonesome valley, buried 'neath a white oak tree
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
I took her up on the mountain, I swore she'd be my wife
I took her up on the mountain and stabbed her with my knife
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
I don't expect salvation, I've got so little hope
It won't be long now 'fore I find out, as I dangle from this rope
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die