About the song
Lefty Frizzell, a towering figure in the realm of country music, delivered a timeless masterpiece with “The Long Black Veil.” This haunting ballad, released in 1958, delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of guilt, regret, and the enduring power of love.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a man falsely convicted of murder. As he sits on death row, he recounts the tragic circumstances that led to his incarceration. A jealous lover, believing him to be unfaithful, has framed him for a crime he did not commit. The man’s innocence is revealed only after his execution, leaving his true love to mourn the loss of her beloved.
Frizzell’s emotive vocal performance is a key element in the song’s impact. His voice, rich and resonant, conveys the character’s profound sorrow and longing. The melody, both mournful and hopeful, complements the lyrical content, creating a powerful and evocative atmosphere.
“The Long Black Veil” has become a country music classic, transcending its original release to resonate with audiences across generations. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and injustice continue to captivate listeners, making it a testament to Frizzell’s enduring legacy.
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Lyrics
Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
There was someone killed ‘neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer 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 though it meant my life
For I had 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 is high, and eternity nears
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But sometimes at night when the cold wind mourns
In a long black veil she cries over my bones
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, nobody knows but me, nobody knows but me