High Sheriff of Hazard Tom Paxton

Now the High Sheriff of Hazard is a hard-working man
To be a fine sheriff is his only plan
He digs in our pockets he takes what he can
For he's the High Sheriff of Hazard

He looked through my pockets, He's searched them with care
But nary a nickel or penny was there
So I got thirty days and some bumps in my hair
God bless the High Sheriff of Hazard

He caught me one evening and here's what he said:
"You look like a Russian, you look like a Red
And if you are fond of your skin and your head
Beware the High Sheriff of Hazard"

I thanked him politely, I thanked him for all
And five minutes later I made a phone call
To call a strike meeting at our union hall
And damn the High Sheriff of Hazard

Now, men there are plenty who sweat out their lives
To scratch out a living for children and wives
They sweat for their pennies while the mine owner thrives
With the blessing of the High Sheriff of Hazard

And when union men strike and the troubles come on
The High Sheriff's word is the mine owner's bond
He's a mine owner, too; you know which side he's on
He's the wealthy High Sheriff of Hazard