The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll Mason Jennings

[Verse 1]
William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll
With a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring finger
At a Baltimore hotel society gath'rin'
And the cops were brought in and his weapon took from him
As they rode him in custody down to the station
And booked William Zanzinger for first-degree murder

[Chorus]
Ah, but you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears
Take the rag away from your face
Now ain't the time for your tears

[Verse 2]
William Zanzinger, who at twenty-four years
Owns a tobacco farm, six hundred acres
With rich wealthy parents who provide and protect him
And high office relations in the politics of Maryland
Reacted to his deed with a shrug of his shoulders
And swear words and sneering, and his tongue it was snarling
In a matter of minutes on bail was out walking

[Chorus]
Ah, but you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears
Take the rag away from your face
Now ain't the time for your tears