Shackle Chain

Cat. #0344 (MFH #249) - As sung by Fran Majors, Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 23, 1959

VERSE 1
As I went down to Ashville Town
Some two or three weeks ago
I turned my head straight to th west
Eureky for to go

VERSE 2
Well, th crowd that follered after me
Th talk was of no doubt
That I would wail in th Berryville jail
Before this week was out

VERSE 3
Well, they 'rrested me on Kings river
I might have killed th crowd
If it had'na been for th shackle chain
That rung both clear and loud

VERSE 4
They read to me a summons
And told me to hush my jaw
That I would wail in th Berryville jail
In Carroll County, Arkansas

VERSE 5
Then, I'd stay there till circuit court
Go through a course of law
Then, I'd ride by th side of th marshalls side
T' Little Rock, Arkansas

VERSE 6
Well, there is one thing that I left out
While staying over my case
That is that horse, that noble horse
That I rode over th race

VERSE 7
Well, I hope he's well cared for
An' his bed made out of straw
And he lives and dies, a ripe old age
In Carroll County, Arkansas

VERSE 8
Well, there is another thing that I left out
To you I'm going to tell
That is that girl, that pretty little girl
Th girl I love, so well

VERSE 9
If ever I gain my liberty
Have bread an' meat to chaw
I'll have a home, a happy home
In Carroll County, Arkansas

Variants