The courtroom was crowded the judge waited there

My mother was crying when I left my chair

The sentence were sharpful they cut like a knife

For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life

I dreamed of the whistle I heard the bells ring

My sweetheart was coming some good news to bring

I knew that she loved me and that she'd be true

She said she would save me I'm guilty as you

She went for a pardon or else for parole

I know she'll come back for she's part of my soul

If she ever fails me I'd be mighty blue I'll stay in this jailhouse I'll die in here too

[ dobro ]

They said I was a criminal and to my despair

They sent me to Nashville and shaved off my hair

So come hear my story I'll tell you my fate

I'm serving in Nashville for another man's hate

I just got a letter from Nashville town and after I read it my spirit broke down

It's sad that my sweetheart and the judge would be wed

And here in this jailhouse I wish I was dead

No matter how right folks a man he may be

Bad company will sent him to prison like me

So take a good woman and make her your wife

For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life