Wash up your face, boys
Comb up your head
Now get ready for your coffee and bread
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
It's a piece of cold meat
And cold corn bread
It's so cold it's heavy as lead
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
We're in jail
And it's so complete
About one-half enough to eat
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
It almost makes my stomach ache
When they bring the potatoes
In the old tin plate
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
We're in jail
And it's so nice
Among the dirt and body lice
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
The Wise County jail
Is no jail at all
The chinches and bugs are walking the wall
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
It almost brings me to my knees
When I hear that jailer
Ring them keys
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know
The officers around Norton
Are a dirty old crew
They will arrest a poor man
And look him plumb through
His pockets they'll pick
And his clothes they'll sell
For twenty-five cents
They would send him to hell
It's hard times in the Wise County jail
It's hard times I know