Three Sheets to the Wind

Now Henry slapped his mules as he set 'em free to graze

Took the rag out of his pocket and he wiped the sweat away

He glanced back toward the house, saw his daughter dressed in white

Hangin' laundry on the line that ran alongside the pen

Three sheets to the wind

Now the year was '71, Kansas was alive

Reconstruction was the order for those who would abide

But Henry was a black man, there were those where he went

Who weren't afraid to tell him what that proclamation meant to them

Three sheets to the wind

Beware of the shadows that fall before the dawn

Don't ever trust a man 'less you know where he comes from

Many are the ladies who can recall the name

Of a fool that lost his life over things he could not change

Now Billy poured a drink, and he stared down at his cards

The night was getting late, and his thoughts were growing dark

He said "Boys, I think its time we made our presence known

"Let's take a little ride, see if good old Henry's home," and he grinned

Three sheets to the wind

They met behind the barn over at Billy's place

Billy had a rope and a hood to cover his face

And the creaking of the leather, and the hooves against the ground

Was all that could be heard as they made their way around the bend

Three sheets to the wind

Billy's wife had a feeling that led her to the sheriff's door

She had tears in her eyes and trouble to report

She saw Billy's horse that morning still saddled by the gate

The last she heard of Billy, he was out drinking late with friends

Three sheets to the wind

Well the barkeep tipped the sheriff about Billy and his plans

Sheriff lit out for Henry's to see what became of him

But Henry had slipped away and all he'd left there at the scene

Was three bodies swayin' to the ropes tied beneath their chins

Three sheets to the wind