Long Black Veil has been performed by many artists, each adding their own touch to the timeless ballad.
Johnny Cash, with his heavy voice and raw emotion, gave the song a classic country feel that connected with many. The Band also delivered a memorable rendition, blending rich folk-rock tones and vivid storytelling to make the song their own
Nick Cave& The Bad Seeds took it further, delivering a darker and more intense version full of sorrow. The Band brought in rich folk-rock tones, adding warmth and vivid storytelling.
Later, Dave Matthews Band gave it a modern twist with smooth rock and jazz elements. Despite their different styles, all helped keep Long Black Veil powerful and unforgettable.
About the Song
Long Black Veil is a powerful song about a man who chooses silence over truth to protect someone he secretly loves. It’s full of mystery and emotion.
The music is slow and haunting, adding to the feeling of sadness. Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, The Band, and Dave Matthews Band each perform it in their own way, giving the song new meaning.
Together, their versions help keep this old story alive, touching hearts across time and style. The lyrics tell a story of sacrifice, showing how love can lead to painful choices.
| Details | Johnny Cash | Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | The Band | Dave Matthews Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | February 1, 1965 | August 18, 1986 | July 1, 1968 | November 23, 1999 |
| Album | Orange Blossom Special | Kicking Against the Pricks | Music from Big Pink | Various live albums |
| Writers | Danny Dill, Marijohn Wilkin | Danny Dill, Marijohn Wilkin | Danny Dill, Marijohn Wilkin | Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin |
| Producers | Don Law | Flood | John Simon | John Alagia |
Long Black Veil Lyrics by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Verse 1
Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
Someone was killed ‘neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me
Verse 2
Well the judge, he said: “Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die”
But I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
For I’d been in the arms of my best friend’s wife
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Verse 3
Now the scaffold is high and eternity is near
She stood in the crowd but shed not a tear
But sometimes at night when the cold winds moan
In a long black veil, she cries on my bones
Long Black Veil Lyrics by Johnny Cash
Verse 1
Ten years ago on a cold dark night
Someone was killed ‘neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Verse 2
The Judge said, “Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die”
I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
For I’d been in the arms of my best friend’s wife
Verse 3
Now the scaffold is high, and eternity’s near
She stood in the crowd but she shed not a tear
But some times at night when the cold wind moans
In a long black veil, she cries o’er my bones
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Outro
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Long Black Veil Lyrics by The Band
Verse 1
Ten years ago, on a cool dark night
There was someone killed ‘neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene, and they all did agree
That the man who ran looked a lot like me
Verse 2
The judge said, “Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die”
I spoke not a word, although it meant my life
I had been in the arms of my best friend’s wife
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave where the night winds wail
Nobody knows, no, and nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Verse 3
The scaffold was high and eternity neared
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But sometimes at night when the cold wind moans
In a long black veil, she cries over my bones
Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave where the night winds wail
Nobody knows, no, and nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Long Black Veil Lyrics by Dave Matthews Band
Ten years ago, on a cold, dark night
Someone was killed beneath the town hall light
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
The judge said, “Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die.”
Well, I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
For I’d been in the arms of my best friend’s wife
Oh, she walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
Oh now, the scaffold is high, eternity is near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
Oh, sometimes at night when the cold winds blow
In a Long Black Veil she cries over my bones
She walks these hills in a Long Black Veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
She walks these hills in a Long Black Veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
Nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
Other Artists
Here is a list of popular artists who have performed Long Black Veil:
- Lefty Frizzell (original 1959 version)
- Sammi Smith (1974 country hit)
- Joan Baez (early live repertoire and recordings)
- Bob Dylan (studio outtake and live performances)
- Marianne Faithfull
- Bruce Springsteen (Seeger Sessions Band Tour 2006)
- Mick Jagger (with The Chieftains)
- Mike Ness (Social Distortion)
- Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Tony Rice (The Pizza Tapes)
- Rosanne Cash
- Nazareth (live concerts)
- Bruce Hornsby (live performances)
- The Proclaimers
- Lee Ann Womack
- David Allan Coe
- New Riders of the Purple Sage
Similar Songs Like Long Black Veil
These songs, by artists such as Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, The Band, and Dave Matthews Band, carry similar themes of storytelling and emotion, mixing folk, country, and rock styles.
- Folsom Prison Blues: This song tells a sad story of a man in prison, filled with regret and longing. Cash’s deep voice adds power.
- Where the Wild Roses Grow: Haunting duet tells a tragic love story with beautiful melodies and emotional depth, showing Cave’s storytelling skills.
- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down: A Moving story about the American South during the Civil War, told through heartfelt folk-rock music.
- Crash Into Me: Smooth and romantic song with soft rock sounds and thoughtful lyrics about longing and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Narrative Connected Across Different Generations?
Its universal themes of love, loss, and secrecy connect with listeners of all ages.
Why is it Often Performed Live by Popular Acts?
Its narrative and emotional weight make it a powerful choice for live shows, engaging audiences.
What Role did Radio and Media Play in its Spread?
Frequent airplay and televised performances by stars like Johnny Cash helped the song reach millions.
