Now Henry slapped his mules as he set 'em free to graze
Took the rag out of his pocket and he wiped the sweat away
He glanced back toward the house, saw his daughter dressed in white
Hangin' laundry on the line that ran alongside the pen
Three sheets to the wind

Now the year was '71, Kansas was alive
Reconstruction was the order for those who would abide
But Henry was a black man, there were those where he went
Who weren't afraid to tell him what that proclamation meant to them
Three sheets to the wind

Beware of the shadows that fall before the dawn
Don't ever trust a man 'less you know where he comes from
Many are the ladies who can recall the name
Of a fool that lost his life over things he could not change

Now Billy poured a drink, and he stared down at his cards
The night was getting late, and his thoughts were growing dark
He said "Boys, I think its time we made our presence known
"Let's take a little ride, see if good old Henry's home," and he grinned
Three sheets to the wind

They met behind the barn over at Billy's place
Billy had a rope and a hood to cover his face
And the creaking of the leather, and the hooves against the ground
Was all that could be heard as they made their way around the bend
Three sheets to the wind

Billy's wife had a feeling that led her to the sheriff's door
She had tears in her eyes and trouble to report
She saw Billy's horse that morning still saddled by the gate
The last she heard of Billy, he was out drinking late with friends
Three sheets to the wind

Well the barkeep tipped the sheriff about Billy and his plans
Sheriff lit out for Henry's to see what became of him
But Henry had slipped away and all he'd left there at the scene
Was three bodies swayin' to the ropes tied beneath their chins
Three sheets to the wind