Well, they're hanging Joe Bean this morning, for killing a man in Arkansas.
Funny thing about it, Joe Bean never even heard of the man
In fact, Joe Bean never has been to Arkansas
And to top that off, today is Joe Bean's twentieth birthday

See where the gallows stand, Joe Bean, see where the gallows stand.
Just twenty short years from the day you were born, you'll die by the hangman's hand.

Yes, they're hanging Joe Bean this morning, for a shooting that he never did.
He killed 20 men, by the time he was 10, he was an unruly kid.

But they're hanging Joe Bean for the one shooting that he never did.

See through the prison bars, Joe Bean, see where the gallows stand.
Just twenty short years from the day you were born, you'll die by the hangman's hand.

Well, your mother is at the Capitol, asking the governor for a stay.
And it's really hard on her, 'cause she knows where you were, on that particular day.
You were working Joe Bean, hard working, robbing the Santa Fe.

Well, the telegraph wires are humming.
Here, the governor's words come through.
"I can't set you free, 'cause it's not up to me, but this much, Joe Bean, I'll do - 
I'll join your mother in extending Birthday greetings to you."

Happy Birthday, Joe Bean
Happy Birthday, Joe Bean
Happy Birthday, Dear Joe 
Happy Birthday to you