Coll. by M.C. Parler Fred-High
High, Ark.
Jan. 25, 1960
Reel 349, Item 9
"All right, now I'll sing one that a fellow went to jail and had to go to the penitentiary."
(This is laws E 17)
Last night as I lie sleeping I had a happy dream,
I dreamed that I was standing Down by the violet stream,
And some pretty girl was standing by me That had come to go my bail,
But I woke up broken hearted
Ail in the Cole (cold ?) county jail.
Up stepped John Sherman About ten o'clock,
With some keys in his pockets Some cells for to unlock,
Says, Cheer you up, my prisoner,
And I thought I heard him say,
You're bound for old Nashville Five long years to stay.
Up stepped my true lover With ten dollars in her hand,
Says, Take this, dear Johnny,
'Tis all that I command,
May heavens guide and protect you,
Wherever you may go,
'Twas the devil snatched that jury That sent you far below.
I used to wear a white hat,
Ride a horse and saddle fine,
I used to court a pretty fair miss,
And of course I called her mine,
I courted her for beauty And her love to me did gain,
Till they sent me down to old Nashville To wear the ball and chain.
('Nother verse in there, but I can't get hit.)
Sent you down to old Nashville And locked you up to die.
"That's the last of it."