Jailsong from Smallworld by Dallahan

Jailsong
Verses; lyrics traditional, music Jack Badcock.
Chorus; lyrics and music by Jack Badcock

Last night as I lay sleeping I had a happy dream.
I dreamed that I was standing down by the violet stream.
Some pretty girl was standing by me that had come to go my bail
But I woke up broken hearted all in the county jail.

Then up stepped John Sherman 'bout 10 o'clock.
With some keys in his pocket, 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.”

Chorus
Let us ask why all this trouble I’ve been in.
Look no further than the colour of my skin.
You don't make it very difficult to see
That locking people up is just another industry.

Then up stepped my true lover with ten dollars in her hand.
Says “Take this my dear Jonny,'tis all that I command.
May heavens guide and protect you wherever you may go.
'Twas the devil's snatch that jury that sent you far below.”

Chorus

I used to wear a white hat, ride a horse and saddle fine.
I used to court a fair miss, of course I called her mine.
I courted her for beauty and her love to me did gain.
'till they sent me down old Nashville to wear the ball and chain.

Chorus

• World
• acoustic
• folk-rock. singer-songwriter
• fusion
• pop
• Germany