On this old rock pile with a ball and chain

They call me by a number not a name, Lord, Lord

Gotta do my time, gotta do my time

With an aching heart and a worried mind



When that old judge looked down and smiled

Said I'll put you on that good road for a while, Lord, Lord

Gotta do my time, gotta do my time

With an aching heart and a worried mind



You can hear my hammer, you can hear my song

I'm gonna swing it like John Henry all day long, Lord, Lord

Gotta do my time, gotta do my time

With an aching heart and a worried mind



It won't be long, just a few more days

I'll settle down and quit my rowdy ways, Lord, Lord

With that gal of mine, with that gal of mine

She'll be waitin' for me when I've done my time