It was said of the sheriff to Calhoun Parish Not to ever touch his daughter Hanna-Lee, For to look at her with lustful eyes was certain To get you a time in the penitentiary.
It was true, she was quite hilarious, It was true, she had eyes for me; Then one night at a dance she walked up to me And ask me would I, please, meet her down by the creek…
As I listened to her dangerous proposal I thought about the high sheriff catching me; As I shook my head quietly and left the party, I heard her laugh and say "You'll be sorry"
Then came upon my door a loud disturbance, I opened it to the sheriff and his deputy. He said, "Son, did you molest my daughter?" I said, "Sheriff, I do not know of what you speak."
Then he grabbed me roughly by the collar And he flung me sprawling out into the street; There were days in the jail with claustrophobia And all on that kind of a bitch Hanna-Lee…
When I finally worked a bar loose from my window And I made my way into the woods of Calhoun, Late at night I came upon the cabin; It was the home of Jaime Cross, a friend I knew.
Would you mind if I sat down at your table 'Cause it's been a while since I've had time to eat And I'll pay y'all back when I'm able, But right now the high sheriff is after me.