Cat. #0035 (MFH #84) - As sung by Fred High, High, Arkansas on February 12, 1958
VERSE 1
Last night, as I lie sleeping
I had a happy dream
I dreamed that I was standing
Down by th violet stream
And some pretty girl was standing by me
That'd come to go my bail
But I woke up broken hearted
All in th Cole County jail
VERSE 2
Up stepped John Sherman
About ten o'clock
With some keys in his pocket
Some cells fot t' unlock
Says, cheer you up, my prisoner
And I thought I heard him say,
You're bound for old Nashville
Five long years to stay
VERSE 3
Up stepped my true lover
With ten dollars in her hand
Says, take this dear Johnny
T'is all that I command
May Heaven's guide and protect you
Wherever you may go
T'was the devils snatch that jury
That sent you far below
VERSE 4
I used to wear a white hat
Ride a horse and saddle fine
I used to court a pretty fair miss
And of course, I called her mine
I courted her for beauty
And 'er love to me did gain
Till they sent me down to old Nashville
To wear th ball an' chain