This song was written in 1978, by Tommy Shaw. He has stated in interviews that was a song that just came to him one day, fully formed. Originally he wrote it on piano, and it was very different than how it came to be recorded. The a capella opening was originally three-part harmony, and the song itself was a lot slower, more dirge-like. James "JY" Young originally hated the song. However, as the band re-worked it, he came to love it so much that he asked Tommy if he could play the lead guitar solo. As far as troubles with the law, Tommy has stated that he never has had any issues with the law; the song just came to him as fictional storytelling. . Lyrics : Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law Law man has put an end to my running and I'm so far from my home Oh Mama I can hear you a cryin', you're so scared and all alone Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long The jig is up, the news is out They finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Never more to go astray This'll be the end today Of the wanted man Oh Mama, I've been years on the lam and had a high price on my head Lawman said 'Get him dead or alive' and it's for sure he'll see me dead Dear Mama I can hear you cryin', you're so scared and all alone Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long The jig is up, the news is out They finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Never more to go astray The judge'll have revenge today On the wanted man Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long The jig is up, the news is out They finally found me The renegade who had it made Retrieved for a bounty Never more to go astray This'll be the end today Of the wanted man Wanted Man And i no ho oh oh no no Hey hey

by LoveThatBox