Got in a little trouble down at the county seat Lord, they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street When the judge read the verdict, I was a guilty man Said forty-five dollars or forty days in the can Said, that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son You can take your choice if you're twenty-one No money down, no credit plan No time to chase you, 'cause I'm a busy man Forty days in the jailhouse, four days on the road I was feeling mighty hungry, my feet a heavy load Saw a Greyhound coming, stuck out my thumb Before I got to my seat, the driver caught my arm Said, that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son This old gray dog gets paid to run When the engine starts, and the wheels won't roll Give me cash on the barrelhead, I'll take you down the road Said, that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son You can take your choice if you're twenty-one No money down, no credit plan No time to chase you, 'cause I'm a busy man No time to chase you, 'cause I'm a busy man