I stayed in jail, it was for thirty long days
And that woman said she loved me, I could not see her face
I looked out the window, saw the long-chain man
Aw, he's comin' to call the boys by name
He's gonna take me from here to Nashville, Tennessee
He's gonna take me right back, boys, where I used to be
I got a letter from home, reckon how it read?
I got a letter from home, reckonin' how it read?
It said, "Son, some on home to your mama, she's sick and nearly dead"
I sit down and cried, and I screamed and squalled
Said, "I cannot come home, mama, I'm behind these walls"
Every mornin', 'bout four, boys, my deed have pa**ed
You outta see me down in the foundries1, tryin' to do my task
'Cause the judge he sentenced me, boys, from five to ten
I get out, I'm gonna k** that woman, I'll be right back again