On this old rock pile with a ball and chain They call me by a number not a name, Lord, Lord Gotta do my time, gotta do my time With an aching heart and a worried mind
You can hear my hammer, you can hear my song I'll swing it like John Henry all day long, Lord, Lord Gotta do my time, gotta do my time With an aching heart and a worried mind
When that old judge looked down and smiled Said: I'll put you on that good road for a while, Lord, Lord Gotta do my time, gotta do my time With an aching heart and a worried mind
It won't be long just a few more days I'll settle down and quit my rowdy ways, Lord, Lord With that gal of mine, with that gal of mine She'll be waiting for me when I've done my time