Скачать или смотреть The ballad of Jesse James (traditional)

This ballad was written soon after the murder of infamous bandit Jesse James (alias Mr. Thomas Howard) by the hand of fellow gang member Robert Ford, on April 3, 1882. Here I use 2-part voice harmonies, a Martin D-28GE (adirondack/brazilian) and a 5-string banjo (Deering Vega Senator) in the background


The ballad of Jesse James

Jesse James was a lad, who killed many a man
He robbed the Glendale train
He stole from the rich, and he gave to the poor
He'd a hand, and a heart, and a brain

Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
three children, they were so brave
But that dirty little coward, that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid old Jesse James in his grave

It was on a Wednesday night, not a star was in sight
When they robbed the Glendale train
Those people they did say, for many miles away
It was robbed by Frank and Jesse James

Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
three children, they were so brave
But that dirty little coward, that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid old Jesse James in his grave

Then on a Friday night, Jesse James was at home
Just talking with his family brave
Came along Robert Ford, like a thief in the night
And laid poor Jesse in his grave

Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
three children, they were so brave
But that dirty little coward, that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid old Jesse James in his grave

Now people held their breath, when they heard of Jesse's death
They wondered how he came to die
It was one of his own gang, called little Robert Ford
And he shot Jesse James on the sly

Jesse had a wife to mourn for his life
three children, they were so brave
But that dirty little coward, that shot Mr. Howard
Has laid old Jesse James in his grave