Shelby County Workhouse Blues - Hambone Willie Newbern

Shelby County Workhouse Blues - Hambone Willie Newbern
I left old Memphis Tennessee : on my way back to [dear
Old] *Maltree*
I my baby : if this
Says I phoned my *room* : 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* : [on my way back going 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
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
Says I'll give you ten days buddy : out in little old
Shelby town
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
Lord the guards done treat me : like I was a lowdown dog