Twenty One Years

The judge said "Stand up, boy, and dry up your tears
You're sentenced to Nashville for twenty-one years.”
So kiss me goodbye, babe, and say you'll be mine
For twenty-one years, babe, is a mighty long time
Oh hear that train blow, babe, she'll be here on time
To take me to Nashville, to serve out my time
So look down that railroad far as you can see
And keep right on waving your farewell to me
The steam from the whistle, the smokе from the stack
I know you'll be true bluе, until I get back
So hold up your head, babe, and dry up your eyes
Best friends must part, so must you and I
Go beg the governor, babe, on your sweet soul
If you can't get a pardon, try and get a parole
If I had the governor where the governor's got me
Before Tuesday morning, that governor'd be free
Six months have gone by babe, I wish I was dead
This dirty old jailhouse with a floor for a bed
It’s raining, it’s hailing, the moon gives no light
Oh baby, please tell me why you never write
I've counted the days, babe, I've counted the nights
I've counted the minutes, I've counted the lights
I've counted the footsteps, I've counted the stars
I've counted a million of these prison bars
I've counted on you, babe, to give me a break
I guess you forgot, babe, I'm here for your sake
You know who's guilty, you know it so well
But I'll rot in jailhouse, before I will tell
Come all you young fellows with hearts brave and true
Don't believe any woman you're beat if you do
Don't trust any woman, no matter what kind
For twenty-one years, boys, is a mighty long time