Hanna Lee
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
You dusty eyes were soft and glowin' when first I met you, Hannah Lee.
There was no way for me a-knowin' the sorrow your sweet
caress would bring to me.
Chorus:
High, high, high is the gallows.
(Yeah, and it's long) long as the rope that waits for me.
High as the gallows. They'll hang me for your sins, my Hannah Lee.
You shot and killed your cruel husband because you found you loved but me,
And then you lied before the jury and they blamed for
your sins, my Hanna Lee.
(Chorus)
Down at the jail on hangin' mornin', I heard you tell them you had lied.
Your dusty eyes were soft and glowin' and I saw you hang your head and cry.
High, high, high is the gallows.
(Yeah, and it's long) long as the rope that waits for me.
High as the gallows. When they hang my lovin' darlin',
Hannah Lee. When they hang my lovin' darlin',
Hannah Lee. (Repeat and fade out)
About Hanna Lee
The Kingston Trio's 1961 recording of "Hanna Lee" stands as a pivotal moment in folk history, marking the group's transition from traditional American folk to a more polished, pop-oriented sound. Originally a novelty hit by the British band The Beatles, the song was reimagined by the trio with a distinct arrangement that highlighted their vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. This version became a massive international success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying the trio's status as a leading force in the folk revival. The track exemplifies the era's cross-cultural exchange, blending British pop sensibilities with American folk aesthetics. Its enduring popularity demonstrates the song's universal appeal and the trio's ability to adapt material for a broader audience. As a defining recording of the early 1960s, "Hanna Lee" remains a significant song in the discography of The Kingston Trio, illustrating their evolution and lasting impact on popular music.