At the dark and bitter hour of night, we both set off alone.
We both set off alone, across the country.
But little I thought, I would have brought, to prove her destiny.

When I was going to murder her I made her disemployed.
Saying, “Anne you’ll go no further for, it’s here you are to die.”
“Oh James, think on your infancy, and don’t give me a fright.
Do not commit a murder, this dark and dreary night.”

“I want no talk at-all from you but kneel down and pray.
There was never a maid upon this earth that my favour ever gained.”
“I promise God here on my knees, that if you spare me my life,
I will never come to trouble you, or ask to be your wife.”

Now all she said, it was in vain, I gave her dreadful sores.
And with the heavy laurel bush, I left her in her gores.
Her blood in streams, flew like the rain, her moans would pierce your heart.
I was sure I had her murdered, before I did her part.

But she was alive next morning, just by the break of day.
When a shepherd’s daughter by chance did go that way.
And seeing her lying in her blood, she came to her relief.
“Oh I was murdered here last night, will you bring me a priest?”

The priest and doctor was sent for, and policemen likewise.
And when they got information, they took me in disguise.
They selected all the old men, and young men of the place.
But when I, James O’Brien stepped over her, she dashed blood in my face.

They rode me off to Omagh jail until my trial day.
The jury found me guilty and the judge to me did say:
“For the murdering of Anne O’Brien, and an orphan as you see.
On the twenty-fifth of February upon the scaffold tree.”

When I received my sentence passed no mercy did I crave.
I’d rather die in the scaffold high, no better I deserve.
I ask all judge and jury men, as you’re now standing by -
To pray for the soul of James O’Brien, who’s now condemned to die.