Who Killed Tom Dooley?
- Geoffrey Clarfield
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 11
I have just spent time touring Wilkes County, NC, the home of the notorious Southern Veteran accused of murder. Yes, Tom Dooley, made famous by the Kingston Trio and whose origin song was recorded by Alan Lomax here in North Carolina.
I have composed the music and lyrics for this ballad of that icon of American folklore as the spirit of the place came to me one evening in this cabin.
I hope you enjoy it.
Words and Music © 2025 by Geoffrey Clarfield. Recorded in Wilkes County, NC, on March 27, 2025.
Who Killed Tom Dooley?
When Tom Dooley died
Everyone seemed quite surprised
The judges argued his case
But it blew up in his face
So Tom Dooley died
Tom Dooley died
Anna, Laura, and Pauline
Were not the kind of girls to be seen
Carrying bonnets and cats
They were pretty young girls at that
So Tom Dooley died
Tom Dooley died
This is a story about Wilkes County
Before during and after the war
Tom loved Pauline
Anna and Laura were just as keen
I think you know what I mean
I think you know what I mean
Tom was a bold young lad
He took whatever girl he could have
Many women were flirts
But there were always a few
Who liked drinking and raising their skirts
Who liked drinking and raising their skirts
Tom was a skirt-raising guy
The three women fought over him, gave him a try
They fought very well
Tom was condemned to hell
Then Tom Dooley died
Tom Dooley died
Chorus
Tom Dooley died
Young girls began to cry
They still visit his grave
To this very day
Some say he escaped
And he’s alive
Some say he escaped
And is alive
Hang down your head Tom Dooley
You did not stab that maid
You were a veteran keen
A patriot in need
And all those girls agreed
Everyone of those girls agreed
Judge Vance
Knew how to take a legal chance
He thought Tom an innocent man
A man who liked to dance
Tom was a singer
A banjo man in a trance
Banjo man in a trance
So those of you who come to Wilkes County
Just ask the girl at the bar
Who killed Tom Dooley
She’ll say it was the jury
They didn't have to look very far
They didn't have to look very far
So those who come to Wilkes County
Just ask the girl at the bar
Who killed Tom Dooley
They'll say it was the jury
Didn't have to look far
Didn't have to look far
Hang your head Tom Dooley
You did not stab that maid
You were a veteran keen
A patriot in need
All those girls they agreed
Everyone of those girls they agreed