The judge said "Stand up, boy, and dry up your tears, You're sentenced to prison for twenty-one years. " So kiss me goodbye, love, and say you'll be mine, For twenty-one years, love, is a mighty long time. O hear that train blow, love, she'll be here on time To take me to prison, to serve out my time. So look down that railroad far as you can see And keep right on waving your farewell to me.
The steam from the whistle, the smoke from the stack, I know you'll be true love, until I get back. So hold up your head, babe, and dry up your eyes, Best friends must part, so won't you and I.
Go beg the governor, babe, on your sweet soul, If you can't get a pardon, try and get a parole. If I had the governor where the governor's got me, Before sunrise tomorrow, the governor'd be free.
I've counted the days, love, I've counted the nights, I've counted the minutes, I've counted the lights, I've counted the footsteps, I've counted the stars, I've counted a million of these prison bars.
I've counted on you, babe, to give me a break. I guess you forgot, love, I'm here for your sake. You know who's guilty, you know it so well, But I'll rot in prison, before I will tell.
Come all you young fellows with hearts brave and true, Don't believe any woman you'd meet if you do, Don't trust any woman, no matter what kind, For twenty-one years, boys, is a mighty long time.