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

When the judge said guity he made his point

He said forty five dollars or thirty days in the joint



That'll be cash on the barrelhead hon

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

 mandolin  dobro 

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

Just as soon as I told her she shouted back at me



Said that'll be cash on the barrelhead hon

Not parting out head but the entire sum

No money down no credit line

Cause a little bird tells me you're a travelling kind

 fiddle 

Thirty days in the jailhouse four days on the road

I was feeling mighty hungry my feet a heavy load

I saw a greyhound coming stuck up my thumb

As soon as I was seated the driver caught my arm



That'll be cash on the barrelhead hon

This old grey dog is paid to run

When the engine stops and the wheels will roll

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

Cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road