The folk song sung by those on the run from the law, lamenting all that they've lost along the outlaw's trail
The song is typically sung at the above tempo with an incredibly slow, drawn out beat - each word is drawn out and hung on for two to three or more seconds a piece, giving it a somber and remorseful tone hearkening back to the horrors of the criminal's way of life, the outlaw trail, and parts of one's old life that one yearns to reclaim.
Each verse is begun by a seven to eight syllable phrase sung twice - typically something the singer misses, longs for, or misses. More often than not, it is something no longer accessible to them as outlaws or criminals. Each verse is then followed by the Chorus, which is placed between each verse.
As with any song which calls outlaws, thieves, ruffians, and all manner of ne'er-do-wells its primary sources, the Outlaw's Lament is by its very nature an imperfect song: its beat and tempo vary slightly depending on the singer and group, as it has been passed along almost solely by word of mouth for centuries. This nature, ironically, also makes it the perfect 'everymans' song - singable by anyone regardless of singing talent or ability, much like the shanties sung by sailors at sea.
The song has no real and true limit on its number of verses and choruses - many groups of criminals and outlaws have been known to sing it for hours to while away the time on the run, in dungeons to pass the time, and in any number of situations for any length of time - limited only by the creativity of those singing it to come up with new verses according to the 'template' described above as they go.
[VERSE 1]
A wife I had, long ago
A wife I had, long ago
Mine no more, Mine no more
Dust along this hollow trail
[CHORUS 1]
Embers and Gloam, battered faces
The fire's end is nigh
Ever closer, comes the rider
Never shall we die
[VERSE 2]
Salted pork, my fav'rite meal
Salted pork, my fav'rite meal
Mine no more, Mine no more
Dust along this hollow trail
[CHORUS 2]
Embers and Gloam, battered faces
The fire's end is nigh
Ever closer, comes the rider
Never shall we die
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