When I was a rounder

I stopped in New Orleans

'Cause I've had long days away from home

I didn't know nobody that I seen



I's walkin' along the street one day

I didn't mean no harm

The police is up and they seen me

And they began to make their laws



Ain't it hard, ain't it hard

Just lookin' through the bars?

The police looked an seen me

And they began to make their laws



They seen I was a stranger

They soon got on my trail

Soon they had me surrounded

And taked me to the city jail



Now, ain't it hard, ain't it hard

Just lookin' through the bars?

Soon they had me surrounded

And taked me to the city jail



When I got in jail, I

Didn't know what to do

There was no one I knew

I could carry my troubles to



Now, ain't it hard, ain't it hard

Just lookin' through the bars?

There was no one I knew

I could carry my troubles to



I invited you write my dear old mother

It made her lonesome and blue

Tell you needn't no worry

Mother's comin' after you



Now ain't it grand, ain't it grand?

I don't see how she can stand

She said, 'Son, you needn't t' worry

Mother's comin' after you'.