Nobody knows about the jailhouse blues till you get within four walls

The old jailer man turns the big black keys that's when your spirit falls

Then you drag yourself up to the bars and while you gaze out at the stars

This is what you'll say

Why did I stray from the righteous path nobody knows but me

There on the outside you often dare I don't need your sympathy

For after I paid for the liquor I stole I'll leave this place with no way and gold

Why did I stray from the righteous path nobody knows but me

[ ac.guitar ]

When you realize that you're all alone seated in a two by four

That little cell is just a taste of hell if you ain't been there before

You're locked up tight but they treat you fair

You gave everything that you need in there

That's just why you'll say

Why did I stray...