I've gotta be a leaving when the moon goes down
I'm gonna be a swinging when the sun comes round
My days are numbered there's no future for me
They caught me rustling they're gonna hang me

I'm gonna do the boogie with the drop me beat
Just a corny rhythm where you swing your feet
I'm gonna be dancing in the strangest way
Doing the hangman's boogie at the break of day

Swing high (swing high) swing low (swing low)
It's a doggone pity but i gotta go
My baby says she loves me but i know she lied
My lawyer said he'd spring me but he must have died
They're gonna be sorry when i'm far away
Doing the hangman's boogie at the break of day

To do this little boogie you just hang around
You start it with the rhythm then you swing on down
The music gets hotter then you let it go
Everybody's watching you're the star of the show

So if you want to learn it here's the thing to do
Just shoot your loving momma if her hearts untrue
They'll have you dancing in the same old way
Doing the hangman's boogie at the break of day

Swing high (swing high) swing low (swing low)
It's a one way ticket but man what a show
I hear the warden coming so i'll say goodbye
I hear the music playing and the time is nigh

I'm gonna be dancing in the strangest way
Doing the hangman's boogie at the break of day
Doing the hangman's boogie at the break of day