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

F                            C 
Beware of the shadows that fall before the dawn 
      G                           Dm 
Don't ever trust a man 'less you know where he comes from 
F                        C 
Many are the ladies who can recall the name 
      G                             Dm 
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 
 
(repeat chorus) 
 
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 
 
(repeat chorus)