[Bear_in_RoseBear]

The original version of "The Long Black Veil" was recorded by country artist Lefty Frizzell in 1959; it was a big hit for him. That's the only version I'm familiar with... I've seen it on a "Best of" collection of Lefty Frizzell's hits.

Original lyrics...

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night,
Someone was killed 'neath the town hall light.
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me.

She walks these hills in a long, black veil.
She visits my grave when the night winds wail.
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me.

The judge said, "Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die."
I spoke not a word, although it meant my life,
For I had been in the arms of my best friend's wife.

She walks these hills in a long, black veil.
She visits my grave when the night winds wail.
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me.

The scaffold was high and eternity near,
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear.
But sometimes at night when the cold wind moans,
In a long black veil, she cries o'er my bones.

She walks these hills in a long, black veil.
She visits my grave when the night winds wail.
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me.

[RosieCotton]

I like Lefty. Wish I had more of his stuff.

Johnny Cash's version is good, though. It's the same lyrics.

[SuziQ]

That's it Bear! Can you imagine it sung by Mick Jagger? It is actually very good with the Chieftans behind him.