This is a centuries-old English/Border folk song with countless variations. I adapted this version from one collected and published by Francis Child in the 1890s. I added my own melody, chords and refrain. Recorded on a cheap acoustic guitar with one string missing (broken). The song was made famous by Led Zeppelin, who recorded it as “Gallows Pole”—they changed the story ending from good to bad/happy to sad, and I thought I’d like to revisit a more traditional version. Will add dry stems. Lyrics:
THE MAID SAVED FROM THE GALLOWS

hangman, hangman, hold thy hand a while
for I see my father striding over younder stile
father have you brought me gold, will you set me free
or be you come to see me hung from the gallows tree?
…
…
girl I have no gold, and cannot set you free
but I come to see thee hung from the gallows tree
*
hangman, hangman, hold thy hand a while
for I see my mother climbing over younder stile
mother have you brought me gold, will you set me free
or be you come to see me hung from the gallows tree?
…
…
daughter I have no gold, and cannot set you free
but I come to see thee hung from the gallows tree
*
hangman, hangman, hold thy hand a while
for I see my brother rushing over younder stile
brother have you brought me gold, will you set me free
or be you come to see me hung from the gallows tree?
…
…
sister I have no gold, and cannot set you free
but I come to see thee hung from the gallows tree
*
hangman, hangman, hold thy hand a while
for I see my own true-love over younder stile
a little of your gold and likewise of your fee
to save my poor soul from the gallows tree
…
…
my gold you now shall have and likewise of my fee
for I come to see you saved and saved ye shall be
*