A man commits such a petty crime like stealing water, and pays for it with his life another man shoots a man and goes free. However, since he only shot the man due to him being a thief, "the hangman" (a metaphor for the justice system as a whole) isn't hanging, and they put him on the street.
He gets his trial and all those who love and miss the dead guy are singing, cause they guy is being brough to justice. The cops catch him at the border and bring him to justice. This is a very harsh and irrational decision. The guy gets his water stolen (critical that it's WATER being stolen, the most abundant resource there is) and shoots the guy who stole it. General CommentThe first verse's theme is irony. In the land of milk and honey, you must put them on the table, yeah Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you're able Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man Then you love a little wild one and she brings you only sorrowĪll the time you know she's smilin' you'll be on your knees tomorrow, yeah In a room with your two-timer, and you're sure you're near the end When you know she's no high climber then you find your only friend You go back, Jack, do it again, wheel turnin' 'round and 'round In the mornin' you go gunnin' for the man who stole your waterĪnd you fire 'til he is done in but they catch you at the borderĪnd the mourners are all singin' as they drag you by your feetīut the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the street