Time and forgive, living combination

In the valley of the sun, a hangman waits for the things they say I’ve done.
Down by the water edge, I slit his throat and leave him for dead.
I am now an outlaw on the run hiding in darkness and in sun.
Each will cry for mercy, as I take their life, with a pistol and a rusty old knife.
Blacker than coal is what I have left. Riding in the morning with my good friend death.
See the dust a flying. Flames straight from hell. I ‘ll take you with me. Your soul I will sell. Faster than daylight is the hand on my gun. Most men swear. I can beat the raising sun.
In the quiet of a lifetime, I grow old; the devil comes to claim my soul.
Took a step, into the dust of the street, pride and my maker I plan to meet.
A preacher with eyes, as cold a steel, comes to make a deal. Lays three drops of water on my burning face; with a few words, my sins are erased.
Laid my gun upon the alter, placed my knife there too, heard an angel say, “God forgives you”.
In the quiet of the morning, a rope pulls tight; I will be in heaven, this very night.