Capo 1st fret

Standard (EADGBE)

 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. I gotta do my time,

 with an achin' heart on that gal of mine.

You can hear my hammer, you can hear my saw.

Gonna sing it like John Henry all day long.

 Lord, Lord, gotta do my time. I gotta do my time,

 with an achin' heart on that gal of mine.

Guitar solo

 When that old judge looked down at me,

said, "I'll put you in the penitentiary."

 Lord, Lord, gotta do my time. I gotta do my time,

 with an achin' heart on that gal of mine.

Guitar solo

 Well, now it won't be long, just a few more days.

They'll let me out of here.

 I'm gonna stay, Lord, Lord, with that gal of mine. With that gal of mine.

 She's waited for me while I've done my time.