Oh, the prickle-eye bush, that breaks my heart so sore
If I ever get out of this prickle-eye bush
I'll never get in it any more
Hangman stay your hand, O stay it for a while
For I think I see my father coming over yonder stile
Father have you brought me gold, or silver to see me free
To save my body from the cold, cold ground
And my neck from the gallows tree?
No, I have not brought you gold, or silver to see you free
To save your body from the cold, cold ground
And your neck from the gallows tree
Oh, the prickle-eye bush...
Hangman stay your hand, O stay it for a while
For I think I see my mother coming over yonder stile
Mother have you brought me gold, or silver to see me free
To save my body from the cold, cold ground
And my neck from the gallows tree?
No, I have not brought you gold, or silver to see you free
To save your body from the cold, cold ground
And your neck from the gallows tree
Oh, the prickle-eye bush...
Hangman stay your hand, O stay it for a while
For I think I see my brother...
Oh, the prickle-eye bush...
Hangman stay your hand, O stay it for a while
For I think I see my true love coming over yonder stile
True love, have you brought me gold, or silver to set me free
To save my body from the cold, cold ground
And my neck from the gallows tree?
Yes, I have brought you gold, and silver to set you free
To save your body from the cold, cold ground
And your neck from the gallows tree
Oh, the prickle-eye bush, that breaks my heart so sore
If I ever get out of this prickle-eye bush
I'll never get in it any more