From the recording The Gallows Bell

This song is inspired by the events of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 which my Great Aunt Mary Parker was found guilty of being a Witch and was hung September 22, 1692 on Gallows Hill.

Lyrics

David L. O’Neal
© 2021

THE GALLOWS BELL

Wicked smile, eyes are cold and dark
Raven hair, snow white skin, branded devil mark
Salem’s court, staring down on thee
Name the witch, see the rage, make the guilty plea

For the evil that you’ve done you’ll hang upon the pole
In the silent moments after the bell begins to toll
The gallows bell will toll

Whispered name, children under spell
Simple touch, of her hand, she makes them well
Magistrate, put her to the test
Condemned to hang, pure the soul, wicked witch confess

A wolf among the sheep is caught her life and blood run cold
Death the sentence handed down the bell begins to toll
The gallows bell will toll, the gallows bell will toll, the gallows bell will toll

Mary Parker, how long have ye been in snare with the devil
I know nothing of it

Wicked smile, eyes are cold and dark
Raven hair, snow white skin, branded devil mark
Magistrate, put her to the test
Condemned to hang, pure the soul, wicked witch confess

For the evil that you’ve done you’ll hang upon the pole
In the silent moments after the bell begins to toll
The gallows bell will toll, the gallows bell will toll, the gallows bell will toll