Lyrics Joe Bean (Live: January, 13, 1968) - Live - Johnny Cash

See through the prison bars
Joe Bean, see where the gallows stand
Just twenty short years from the day you were born
You died by the hangman's hand

Yes, they're hanging Joe Bean this morning
For a shooting that he never did
He killed 20 men, by the time he was 10, he was an unruly kid

Yes, they're hanging Joe Bean for the one shooting
That Joe Bean never did

Well, Joe - your mother is at the Capitol
Asking the governor for a stay
And it's hard on her
'Cause she knows where you were, on that particular day
You were working Joe Bean, hard working, robbing the Santa Fe

Well, the telegraph wires are humming
Here, the governor's words come through
He said: "I can't set you free
It's not up to me, but there's much, Joe Bean, I'll do
I'll join your mother in extending Birthday greetings to you
Happy Birthday, Joe Bean"