The Governor's Hand

Recorded by: Hank Snow
Written by Tony Austin

[C] The Warden made a comment
That the Governor sure does write a pretty [D] hand
As he [G] handed me the paper
That has given me my freedom, once a-[C] gain
The Governor said I'm sorry
That new evidence came seven years too [D] late
Go [G] home and start your life again
Revenge will only fill your heart with [C] hate.

As the train pulls into the station
I can see Peggy waiting there for me
But I can tell there's something wrong
She's not the happy girl she used to be
Peggy hasn't said much
As she drives along the road back to our farm
And she ignored the question
When I asked her where she got this pretty car.

As she pulled into the driveway
I can see she's planted flowers all around
I'm surprised to see good paint
I thought the place would surely be run down
I said Peggy you've done wonders
And I wonder how you've done it on your own
She said I had to hire a hand
I never could have run this farm alone.

CHANGE TO D:
[D] Then Peggy started cryin' and she said
There's something that you have to [E] see
There's a [A] little boy inside
And you should know that he is only [D] three
We went inside and Peggy said
I'm sorry but there's nothing I can [E] do
But if [A] you'll let us stay here
I'll try my best to make it up to [D] you.

The little boy looked frightened
At the thin man who has come in from the cold
He hides behind his mother's skirt
As she bends down to wipe his little nose
I said Peggy, I still love you
And I'll do my best to try to understand
For God has pardoned both of us
And don't the Governor write a pretty hand?

Then [A] Peggy dried her tears when I said
Don't the Governor write a pretty [D] hand?