Intro: -nc- Everyone thinks they know the story -nc- Of xxxx Turpin's highway glory -nc- But my past is far more gory -nc- I was no saint -nc- You think life is one big antic -nc- My profession is romantic -nc- Hate to be pedantic -nc- But it ends Instrumental: Am G F C F Am - Am G F - Verse 1: C As a butcher down in Esxxx F I was handy with a knife Am Had a sideline as a poacher Am Led a less than honest life C The notorious gang of Gregory F Liked my style and dedication Am They signed me up and gave me Am a real robber's education Pre-Chorus: Em We rampaged through the Esxxx farms F We stole and robbed and fought Am But when the law came for us G I escaped and they got caught Chorus: C F I became a highwayman Am Am G F Was daylight robbery C F I was no prince charming Am Am G F Nothing dandy about me Verse 2: C The truth is, I was violent F And with my good mate, Matt King Am Robbed travellers at gunpoint Am Money, watches, anything! C My horse it wasn't called Black Bess F Although that's what you've read Am Was no romantic hero Am Shot not one, but two men dead Pre-Chorus: Em The legend that surrounds me F Misses out the crucial part Am I was a ruthless killer G With a ruthless killer's heart Chorus: C F Was a vicious highwayman Am Am G F a source of pain and tears C F When you hear how my story ends Am Am G F You won't believe your ears Bridge: Em I ran away to Yorkshire F Changed my name to John Palmer Am Was sent to prison G After stealing chickens from a farmer Em Wrote a letter to my family F a plea it did relate Am The postman saw the envelope G And here's the twist of fate Em He had taught me how to write F So he knew I'd lied Am "That's not John Palmer's hand -nc- That's xxxx Turpin's!" he cried! Chorus: C F Was a vicious highwayman Am Am G F My crimes had brought me fame C F Was stitched up by a postie Am Am G F That's not glamourous... that's lame! C F No more stand and deliver Am Am G F You'll remember this, I hope C F It's no fun hanging with highwaymen -nc- When you're... hanging from a rope! C
