About the song
The Kingston Trio’s “Tom Dooley,” a timeless folk ballad released in 1958, stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music. This haunting melody, with its evocative lyrics, has captivated audiences for generations. The song’s enduring appeal lies not only in its musical quality but also in its ability to transport listeners to a bygone era, immersing them in a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and the inevitable consequences of one’s actions.
The song’s narrative, based on a real-life incident from the 19th century, revolves around a young man named Tom Dooley who is accused of murdering his lover, Ann Foster. As the song unfolds, the listener is drawn into a world of Appalachian folk culture, where the simple beauty of the music contrasts starkly with the dark subject matter. The Trio’s harmonies, characterized by their tight-knit interplay and rich vocal textures, lend a sense of gravitas to the story, emphasizing the tragic nature of the events.
“Tom Dooley” is more than just a mournful ballad; it is a social commentary on the harsh realities of life in the American frontier. The song’s depiction of a young man facing the ultimate penalty for his crimes serves as a reminder of the consequences of impulsive behavior and the fragility of human existence. Moreover, the ballad’s enduring popularity speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and justice that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Video
Lyrics
This one next tells a story of a lot of different people
We would like to have a sing along, this one if you’re through with your dinner
If you’re not through just spray along, folks it’s alright
Everybody, sing good and clear
We’ll be all on air on the Andy Williams show next year
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
I met her on the mountain
There I took her life
Met her on the mountain
Stabbed her with my knife
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Hadn’t been for Grayson
I’d-a been in Tennessee
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (oh, boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Down in some lonesome valley
Hangin’ from a white oak tree
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die