Oh the prickle holly bush
That pricks my poor heart so
If I ever get out of the prickle holly bush
I'll never get in it any more

Hangman stay your hand
And stay it for a while
For I think I see my father a-coming
Over yonder stile

Father have you brought me gold
And silver to set me free
For to save my body from the cold clay ground
And my neck from the gallows tree

No I haven't brought you gold
Or silver to set you free
For to save your body from the cold clay groud
And your neck from the gallows tree

Oh the prickle holly bush
That pricks my poor heart so
If I ever get out of the prickle holly bush
I'll never get in it any more

Hangman stay your hand
And stay it for a while
For I think I see my mother a-coming
Over yonder stile

Mother have you brought me gold
And silver to set me free
For to save my body from the cold clay ground
And my neck from the gallows tree

No I haven't brought you gold
Or silver to set you free
For to save your body from the cold clay groud
And your neck from the gallows tree

.... other relatives, brother, sister, as many as you want ....

Hangman stay your hand
And stay it for a while
For I think I see my true love a-coming
Over yonder stile

True love have you brought me gold
And silver to set me free
For to save my body from the cold clay ground
And my neck from the gallows tree

Yes, I have brought you gold
And silver to set you free
For to save your body from the cold clay groud
And your neck from the gallows tree

Oh the prickle holly bush
That pricks my poor heart so
And now that I'm out of the prickle holly bush
I'll never get in it any more

[Key F]