Tom Dooley
Grayson And Whitter · Other Songs - Grayson And Whitter
Written about the Eternal Triangle.
This next one tells the story of a Mr. Grayson,
A beautiful woman, and a condemned man named Tom Dooley.
When the sun rises tomorrow, Tom Dooley must hang.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
I met her on the mountain, there I took her life
Met her on the mountain, stabbed her with my knife
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (ah-uh-eye)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
This time tomorrow reckon where I'll be
Hadn't-a been for Grayson, I'd-a been in Tennessee (well now, boy)
Hang down (your head) your head (Dooley) and cry
Hang down your head and cry (ah poor boy, ah well-ah)
Hang down (your head) your head (Dooley) and cry
Poor boy, you're bound to die (ah well now boy)
Hang down (your head) your head (Dooley) and cry
Hang down your head and cry (ah poor boy, ah well-ah)
Hang down (your head) your head (Dooley) and cry
Poor boy, you're bound to die
This time tomorrow reckon where I'll be
Down in some lonesome valley hangin' from a white oak tree
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (ah-uh-eye)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die (ah well now boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy ah well uh)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you're bound to die
Poor boy, you're bound to die
Poor boy, you're bound to die
Poor boy, you're bound to die
Tom Dooley
Grayson and Whitter's recording of "Tom Dooley" stands as a definitive interpretation of this enduring American folk ballad. The duo, consisting of Bill Grayson and Jim Whitter, captured the song's narrative intensity through their distinctive vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. While the track is often associated with the Kingston Trio's massive commercial success, Grayson and Whitter's version offers a raw, traditional approach that highlights the song's roots in Appalachian storytelling. Their performance emphasizes the tragic tale of murder and justice without relying on elaborate production, allowing the melody and lyrics to resonate with clarity. This recording remains a significant contribution to the folk revival era, showcasing how regional artists helped preserve and popularize traditional material for wider audiences.