D5                                 F5 
Now Henry slapped his mules as he set 'em free to graze 
C5                             G5 
Took the rag out of his pocket and he wiped the sweat away 
D5                                      F5 
He glanced back toward the house, saw his daughter dressed in white 
          C5                       G5                 D5 
Hangin' laundry on the line that ran alongside the pen 
G5                   D5 
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 
 

F5                            C5 
Beware of the shadows that fall before the dawn 
      G5                           D5 
Don't ever trust a man 'less you know where he comes from 
F5                        C5 
Many are the ladies who can recall the name 
      G5                             D5 
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)