Shelby County Workhouse

Shelby County Workhouse Blues - Hambone Willie Newbern

I left old Memphis Tennessee on my way back to Maltree

I left old Memphis Tennessee on my way back to dear old Maltree

I might have gone for months baby if this jam up people my knee

Says I had phoned my mum I didn't have but one word to say

And I phoned my mum I didn't have but one word to say

Cast my eyes to the lord say you please have mercy on poor me

Well I left old Maltree going back to Memphis Tennessee

Well I left old Maltree on my way back to Memphis Tennessee

No sooner I got at the bus station Lord police he arrested me

Lord the police arrest me carried me before the judge

Police arrest me carried me before the judge

Well the lawyers talk so fast didn't have time to say not nary word

Well the lawyer pleaded and the judge he done wrote it down

Well the lawyer pleaded and the judge he done wrote it down

Says I'll give you ten days buddy out in little old Shelby town

And they stood me up tied me around the peg

And they stood me up tied me around the peg

Guard said to the trustee said put the shackles still around his leg

Mmm Lordy Lordy Lord

Mmm Lordy Lordy Lord

Lord the guards done treat me like I was a lowdown dog