The Long Black Veil Lyrics - Bill Monroe

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night 

Someone was killed 'neath the Town Hall light 

There were few at the scene but they all agreed 

That this lad who ran looked a lot like 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, although it meant my life 

For I'd been in the arms of my best friend's wife 

She walks these hills in a long black veil 

She visits my grave when the night winds wail 

Nobody knows, nobody sees 

Nobody knows but me 

The scaffold was high and eternity near 

She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear 

But sometimes at night when the cold wind moans 

In a long black veil she cries over my bones