Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite Used to be my rider But she just won't treat me right Got a red-eyed captain And a squabbling boss Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won't knock off I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell Lord, I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell I asked the government to knock some days off my time Well, the way I'm treated, I'm about to lose my mind I wrote to the governor, please turn me a-loose Since I don't get no answer, I know it ain't no use I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell I hate to turn over and find my rider gone Walking across my floor, Lordy, how I moan Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell