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 passed
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 kill that woman, I'll be right back again