G                                          D7
The courtroom was crowded the judge waited there
                                     G
My mother was crying when I left my chair
                              G7            C
The sentence were sharpful they cut like a knife
                   D7                        G
For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life
                                          D7
I dreamed of the whistle I heard the bells ring
                                            G
My sweetheart was coming some good news to bring
                              G7            C
I knew that she loved me and that she'd be true
                    D7                    G
She said she would save me I'm guilty as you
                                  D7
She went for a pardon or else for parole
                                              G
I know she'll come back for she's part of my soul
                     G7               C                       D7                     G
If she ever fails me I'd be mighty blue I'll stay in this jailhouse I'll die in here too


[ dobro ]

                                        D7
They said I was a criminal and to my despair
                                              G
They sent me to Nashville and shaved off my hair
                 G7                    C
So come hear my story I'll tell you my fate
                 D7                         G
I'm serving in Nashville for another man's hate
                         D7                                                 G
I just got a letter from Nashville town and after I read it my spirit broke down
                      G7                             C
It's sad that my sweetheart and the judge would be wed
                     D7                  G
And here in this jailhouse I wish I was dead
                                   D7
No matter how right folks a man he may be
                                     G
Bad company will sent him to prison like me
                 G7                      C
So take a good woman and make her your wife
                D7                           G
For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life