Got in a little trouble at the county seat

Lord they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street

When the judge heard the verdict I was a guilty man

He said forty five dollars or thirty days in the can

That'll be cash on the barrelhead son you can make your choice you're twenty one

No money down no credit plan no time to chase you cause I'm a busy man

[ guitar ]

Found a telephone number on a laundry slip

I had a good hearted jailer with a six gun hip

He let me call long distance she said number please

And no sooner than I told her she shouted out at me

That'll be cash on the barrelhead son not parting cash but the entire sum

No money down no credit plan cause a little bird tells me you're a travelling man

[ guitar ]

Thirty days in the jailhouse four days on the road

I was feeling mighty hungry my feet a heavy load

Saw a greyhound coming stuck up my thumb

Just as I was being seated the driver caught my arm

That'll be cash on the barrelhead son this old grey dog is paid to run

When the engine stops and the wheels won't roll

Give me cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road