The Old Black Hanging Tree

In the backroads there's a legend By the old black hanging tree That this is the old crossroads Where the devil comes to me There's nothing near, it's barren But the tree and an old rope It is dark, and bleak and distant And all devoid of hope Is this the famous crossroads where the devil makes a deal It depends on what you're willing To trade and get his seal There is a tale of Johnny Who played and won his bet He beat the Devil at his game But, the Devil does not fret For every Johnny that is lost A million more are signed Just look around the world and see They just so easy for to find The pious and believers Pass the tree and it's ok But, the souls who wish to trade up Feel a reason for to stay The Devil hears their pleas And he comes up to their side He brings along the contract And then he takes them for a ride Deals are made for money and deals are made for fame It doesn't matter to the Devil He's the ruler of the game You'll get your wish regardless In trade he gets your soul The only thing you need to know Is that you are no longer whole A contract is a contract And redemption sets you free But, to doublecross the devil Isn't easy as you'll see Johnny beat him fairly And the Devil said that he Will come and grab a million more By the old, black, hanging tree.