Written by Jimmy Skinner

On this old rock pile, with a ball and chain

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

I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time

With an achin' heart and a worried mind

When that old judge, looked down and smiled

Said I'll put you up that river for a while Lord Lord

I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time

With an achin' heart and a worried mind

You can hear my hammer, you can hear my song

Gonna swing it like John Henry all day long, Lord Lord

I gotta do my time, I gotta my time

With an achin' heart and a worried mind

Well now 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, yeah with that gal of mine

She's a waiting for me, while I've done my time