When I left my home town trying to find a job for me (x2)
I was walking down the street, the police arrested me

Police he take me carry me 'fore the judge (x2)
Judge was talkin so fast I couldn't hear nare a word

Lawyer he pleaded judge he wrote it down (x2)
Said I'll give you thirty days, boy I'm gonna send you down.

Lawdy lawd lawdy lawdy lord etc
The police he treat me like I was a low down dog

Police he take me lock me up in jail (x2)
I didn't have 'nuff money, not enough to go my bail

My baby brought me coffee, she brought me tea (x2)
She brought me everything except that jailhouse key

Lawdy lord et