Shelby County Workhouse Blues Lyrics

Hambone Willie Newbern Shelby County Workhouse Blues

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