Tom Dooley — Jason Paul performance

The performance

3 recordings

Performance 1

Tom Dooley [19th Century] – American Traditional | Jason Paul

January 7, 2026

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Lyrics and chords

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*(Chorus)*

** GHang your head, Tom CDooley, CHang your head and Gcry;

** DYou killed poor Laurie GFoster, And you know Cyou're bound to die. G

GYou left her by the Croadside Where you Cbegged to be excused; G

DYou left her by the rGoadside, Then you hiCd her clothes and shGoes.

*(Chorus)*

GYou took her on the Chillside For to makCe her your wife; G

DYou took her on the Ghillside, And theCre you took her liGfe.

GYou dug the grave fCour feet long And youC dug it three feet deep; G

DYou rolled the cold clay Gover her And trComped it with your feet. G

*(Chorus)*

G"Trouble, oh it's Ctrouble A-rollin' thrCough my breast; G

DAs long as I'm a-Glivin', boys, They aCin't a-gonna let me rGest.

GI know they're gonna Chang me, TomCorrow I'll be deGad,

DThough I never even hGarmed a hair COn poor little Laurie's Ghead."

*(Chorus)*

G"In this world and Cone more ThenC reckon where I'll be; G

DIf is wasn't for Sheriff GGrayson, I'd be Cin Tennesee. G

GYou can take down my olCd violin ACnd play it all you Gplease.

DFor at this time toGmorrow, boys, It'll be of nCo use to me." G

*(Chorus)*

G"At this time to-Cmorrow Where doC you reckon I'll be? G

DAway down yonder in the Gholler HaCngin' on a white oak tGree.

*(Chorus)*

(enjoy this Doc Watson version)

jrbmusic

Tom Dooley is a 19th-century American traditional ballad rooted in North Carolina, based on the 1866 murder case of Tom Dula. The song circulated widely in Appalachian tradition and later entered the folk revival through recordings by artists such as The Kingston Trio, Doc Watson, and Grateful Dead. This performance features voice with acoustic guitar. Details: – Song: Tom Dooley – American traditional – Approximate origin: 19th century, North Carolina – Vox & acoustic guitar: Jason Paul