Charlie Birger Americana

From Tracy Hutchison:

This one is a local story. Happened around where I live. Been other songs about him. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Birger

Video available here:

https://youtu.be/U3FTPNDdNUI

Charlie Birger
Tracy Hutchison

Charlie came to Harrisburg
Gun in his hand
He had smarts and he had charm
And he had lots of plans
But he didn?t know as the last wind blows
On the gallows he would stand
On the gallows he would stand

Charlie saw his chance 
In the country?s condition
He would make his money 
Off prohibition
He needed a place 
That would pass the test
He built a speakeasy
Called Shady Rest

Not long after 
Things started to change
He got himself in deep
With the Shelton Gang
With them he fought the law
And by God they won
Sometimes with a smile
Sometimes with a gun

Then there was trouble 
Over gamblin? machines
This created a rift
Between the two gangs
They armed their cars
And dropped some bombs
But in the end no one really won

Over in West City
The mayor had to die
Charlie called some boys
And Joe?s widow had to cry
That was it for Birger
And his ruffian gang
On the nineteenth of April
Ol? Charlie had to hang

Charlie came to Harrisburg
Gun in his hand
He had smarts and he had charm
And he had lots of plans
But he didn?t know as the last wind blows
On the gallows he would stand
On the gallows he would stand