Shelby County Workhouse Blues

I left old Memphis Tennessee, on my way back to Marked Tree
I left old Memphis Tennessee, on my way back to dear old Marked Tree
I might be gone 'fore my baby says jam up above my knee

Says I had phoned my wrong, I didn't have but one word to say
And I phoned my wrong, I didn't have but one word to say
Cast my eyes to the Lord, say you please have mercy on poor me

Well I left old Marked Tree, going back to Memphis Tennessee
Well I left old Marked Tree, on my way back to Memphis Tennessee
No sooner I got at the bus station Lord, police he arrested me

Lord the police arrest me, carried me before the judge
Lord the police arrest me, carried me before the judge
Well the lawyers talk so fast, didn't have time to say not nary word

Well the lawyer pleaded, and the judge he done wrote it down
Well the lawyer pleaded, and the judge he done wrote it down
Says I'll give you ten days buddy, out in little old Shelby town

And they stood me up, tied me around the peg
And they stood me up, tied me around the peg
Guard said to the trustee, said put the shackles still around his leg

Mmm, Lordy Lordy Lord
Mmm, Lordy Lordy Lord
Lord the guards done treat me like I was a lowdown dog