Execution Nights

Execution Nights
02/01/2005
by Lorne Clarke copyright 2005

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The Story of Dow B. Hover - The Last Executioner of New York State

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Way back when he first married
He really he had it made
He built a booming business
In the laboratory trade
He made a killing selling rats and mice
Before execution nights

He learned the job was open
In nineteen fifty three
The Rosenburgs had just learned the truth
About electricity
It wasn't long 'till he took his first ride
On execution night

He kept things confidential
His name was never in the press
He'd even change his license plates
In his garage before he left
No one ever knew where he would drive
On execution nights

He'd made that run so many times
He could do it in his sleep
The three hour drive from Germantown
Down to Ossining
He'd pull off in Poukeepsie for a bite
On execution nights

An expert electrician
They say he had the touch
He knew just how to make 'em burn
But not to burn too much
Some witnesses get queasy at the sight
On execution nights

His wife couldn't help but worry
When his headaches first began
But they say that easy money
Takes its toll upon a man
And a strong man will keep secrets from his wife
On execution nights

No one knows for certain
Why he took his own life
But forty four ghosts from Sing Sing
Just might have crossed his mind
You could say he took his car for one last ride
On execution night