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The Execution Of Black Diamond

from 1890 (2011 Remix) by Curtis Eller

/

lyrics

The Execution Of Black Diamond
(in the key of Bbm)

October 12th is hotter than Hell in Texas
I guess elephants just go bad this time of year
And Clara James had no idea what hit here
Well, we could’ve done something if we had our shotguns here
But Corsicana, Texas is a town without no shade
And we never should’ve let that freakshow pass through here

And you got to send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
Because somebody’s gonna take the blame and it might be you
Send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
‘cause that old man always knows what to do

I sear to God I never seen nothing like
That fender folded up like valentine
And the trainers broke their necks but they couldn’t do nothing about it
The elephants gonna be himself just one time
And the day will fall upon and the Autumn will start to burn
You can wash your hands but this stain is worse than wine

And you got to send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
Because somebody’s gonna take the blame and it might be you
Send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
‘cause that old man always knows what to do

(INSTRUMENTAL BREAK)

Well they marched Black Diamond through the streets of Corsicana
But they could not chain that ghost up to the trees
He shook hi head and he stumbled after the first shot
But it was 49 before the elephant fell to his knees
And there’s a funeral born in the circus like a stone baked in the bread
Even the bullets wilted in shame like a nest of bees

And you got to send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
Because somebody’s gonna take the blame and it might be you
Send a telegram off to P.T. Barnum
‘cause that old man always knows what to do

And you got to send a telegram off to John Ringling
And send a telegram off to Mr. White
And send a telegram off to the Sells Brothers Circus
‘cause that old mother fucker always knows what to do

(YODEL)

credits

from 1890 (2011 Remix), released October 23, 2000
Curtis Eller: Banjo & Lead Vocal
Elizabeth Walsh: Electric Bass & Organ
Adam Budofsky: Drums
Michael Plunkett: Maracas
Liisa Yonker: Background Vocal

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Curtis Eller Durham, North Carolina

Curtis Eller is a banjo player, songwriter and rock & roll singer who's songs describe a dreamlike vision of American history where all points in time have collapsed into one. A twenty-year show business veteran, Eller has developed a devoted international following with his band, The American Circus. ... more

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