The Huntsville Jail

Cat. #0192 (MFH #247) - As sung by D. J. "Dom" Ingenthron, Forsyth, Missouri on July 15, 1958

VERSE 1
When I was a cowboy
I rode upon th lines
I always coined th money
But I did'nt dress so fine

VERSE 2
I rode upon th prairies
I learned to rob and steal
An' when I'd rob a fellow
How jolly I would feel

VERSE 3
I wore a broad brimmed high hat
Rode horse an' saddle fine
And when I courted a pretty girl
I always called her mine

VERSE 4
I courted them for beauty
For love was all in vain
Till they took me down to Huntsville
To wear th ball an' chain

VERSE 5
The other night while sleeping
I had a pleasant dream
I dreamt I was in Texas
Down by a running stream

VERSE 6
But my true love was beside me
She's there to go my bail
And I woke up broken hearted
Down in th county jail

VERSE 7
In stepped th jailer
About a'eleven a'clock
A bunch of keys a carrying
My cell door to unlock

VERSE 8
Cheer up, down hearted cowboy
I've heard those judges say,
That you would go to Huntsville
For ten long years to stay

VERSE 9
But in stepped my true love
Ten dollars in her hand
Says, give this to my Willie boy
That's all that I command

VERSE 10
Says, take this darling with you
An' think of olden times
An' don't forget th pretty girl
You left so far behind

VERSE 11
Heavens may smile upon you
Wherever you may be
An' light'n strike th jury
That taken you from me

Variants