Long Black Veil (October 15, 1969) Songtext
von New Riders of the Purple Sage

Dill-Wilkin

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
There was someone killed ′neath the town hall light
There were few there at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me

Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil (note 1)
Visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows, but 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, though it meant my life
For I had been in the arms of my best friend′s wife

[Chorus]

The gallows were close and eternity near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
Sometimes at night, when the cold winds blow (note 2)
In a long black veil, she cries o'er my bones

[Chorus]
Nobody knows but me