Cat. #0475 (MFH #254) - As sung by Mr. Alford, Delmar, Arkansas on February 2, 1960
VERSE 1
Jest th other day I heard th jailer say
That he wouldn't give us water but oncet a day
It's hard times poor boys
It's hard times, in jail
VERSE 2
I went t' th jailer t' borrow his knife
For th nits an' lice, had threatened my life
It's hard times poor boys
It's hard times in jail
VERSE 3
When I lay down in my rags an' rugs
An' when I wake up all covered in bugs
Hard times poor boys
It's hard times in jail
VERSE 4
Nits an' lice were jumpin' th jist
One fell back an' hollered, jemny christ
Hard times poor boys
It's hard times, in jail