The Kingston Trio was an American folk group that rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They played a major role in the American folk music revival, characterized by their signature tight harmonies and amazing sound.

However, their breakthrough hit, Tom Dooley, brought them widespread success, and they became a leading force in popularizing folk music during that period.

Throughout their career, the Kingston Trio earned multiple Grammy Awards and established a never-ending legacy in music history, inspiring many artists in the folk genre.

About the Song

Tom Dooley is a song about a tragic tale of love and loss. It tells the story of a man facing the consequences of his actions.

This traditional folk song connects listeners to a bygone era and evokes deep emotions. It is a favourite among folk music fans and is often played at concerts and festivals.

Tom Dooley Lyrics by The Kingston Trio

Intro, spoken

Throughout history, there have been many songs written about the eternal triangle. This next one tells the story of Mister Grayson, a beautiful woman and a condemned man named Tom Dooley. When the sun rises tomorrow, Tom Dooley must hang

Chorus

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die

Verse 1

I met her on the mountain
There I took her life
Met her on the mountain
Stabbed her with my knife

Chorus

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die

Verse 2

This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Hadn’t-a been for Grayson
I’d-a been in Tennessee

Chorus

(Well now, boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
(Well now, boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die

Verse 3

This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Down in some lonesome valley
Hangin’ from a white oak tree

Chorus

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (At night)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
(Well now, boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (Poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die

Outro

Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die

Similar Songs Like Tom Dooley

Here are some similar songs you might like:

• Where Have All the Flowers Gone: It’s a thoughtful folk song with touching lyrics and a simple acoustic arrangement that shares a similar storytelling style to Tom Dooley.
• If I Had a Hammer: Catchy folk anthem with a strong social message, featuring harmonies and acoustic guitar, similar in tone to the Kingston Trio’s folk storytelling.
• Greenfields: This is a heartfelt folk ballad with rich harmonies, mirroring the sentimental and melodic style of Tom Dooley.

Similar Artists Like The Kingston Trio

Below is the list of artists you might also like, and they are each known for their unique style, harmonies, and standout albums:

• The Limeliters
  Genre: Folk
  Top Album: The Limeliters (1960)
• Peter, Paul, and Mary
  Genre: Folk / Pop
  Top Album: Peter, Paul, and Mary (1962)
• The Brothers Four
  Genre: Folk
  Top Album: The Brothers Four (1960)
• The Chad Mitchell Trio
  Genre: Folk
  Top Album: The Chad Mitchell Trio (1963)
• The Weavers
  Genre: Folk / Traditional
  Top Album: The Weavers at Carnegie Hall (1957)

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Other Artists Covered Tom Dooley?

Yes, it has been covered by many artists, including the Kingston Trio, Doc Watson, Neil Young, and the Grateful Dead.

Who Originally Wrote Tom Dooley?

It is a traditional folk song with no single author, first recorded by Grayson & Whitter in 1929.

Is Kingston Trio’s Tom Dooley Version Different from Doc Watson’s?

The Kingston Trio’s version is more harmonized and polished, while Doc Watson’s is rawer and closer to Appalachian folk tradition.