Robbie Fulks - Cold Statesville Ground lyrics

Well you know my name is William Hayes Here in North Caroline I been all my days Led a Christian life, and only God can tell How it could've come to end in this Statesville cell. I remember that night, how the storm did blow In the blinding rain, she'd strayed from the road But when my highbeam lights caught hold of her eyes I could see the fires of Hell, and our bodies inside. So let me walk that hall, let me face that man You can tell the chaplain not to hold my hand 'Cause there ain't no prayer that'll save me now Or raise my soul up from the cold statesville ground. Down the road I drove to a fresh-plowed field Her fearful thoughts she could scarce conceal When I took her by the hair, she cried out loud: "dear God, spare a helpless soul, don't let me die now." But her cries grew still, and her breath came slow Ever lower she fell with every hammer blow Her bones I stripped, and her grave I dug As the earth beneath me darkened with her heart's blood. Now the hour draws nigh, the last bell tolls How heavy my chains, how still my soul But somewhere in the dark, a newborn cries And a mother looks down with love into a k**er's eyes. Turn away young man, from the siren's spell Turn back from the path where only torment dwells Heed well the tale of William Hayes Born 35 years ago, and he'll hang today.