Nobody knows about the jailhouse blues
Till you get within four walls
The old jailer man turns the big black keys
That's when your spirit falls.

Then you drag yourself up to the bars
And while you gaze out at the stars
This is what you'll say.

Why did I stray from the righteous path
Nobody knows but me
There on the outside you often dare
I don't need your sympathy.

For after I paid for the liquor I stole
I'll leave this place with no way and gold
Why did I stray from the righteous path
Nobody knows but me.

--- Instrumental ---

When you realize that you're all alone
Seated in a two by four
That little cell is just a taste of hell
If you ain't been there before.

You're locked up tight but they treat you fair
You gave everything that you need in there
That's just why you'll say.

Why did I stray from the righteous path
Nobody knows but me
There on the outside you often dare
I don't need your sympathy.

For after I paid for the liquor I stole
I'll leave this place with no way and gold
Why did I stray from the righteous path
Nobody knows but me...