21 Years

I hear that train blow, babe
She'll be here on time
To take me to prison
To serve out my time

Look down that railroad
Far as you can see
Keep right on wavin' your farewell to me

Six months have gone by, babe
I wished I was dead
Dirty old jailhouse with a floor for a bed
It's raining, it's hailing, the moon gives no light
Baby, please tell me why you never cry

I've counted the days, babe
I've counted the nights
Counted the minutes
I've counted the lights
Counted the footsteps
Counted the stars
I've counted a million of these prison bars

I counted on you, babe, to give me break
I guess you forgot, babe, I'm here for your sake
You know who's guilty, you know it too well
But I'd rot in this jailhouse before I would tell

Oh go beg that governor, babe, on your sweet soul
If you can't get a pardon, try to get a parole
If I had that governor, or the governor's got me
Before Tuesday morning, that governor'd be free

Come all you young fellows, with a heart brave and true
Don't bet on a woman, you're beat if you do
Don't bet on a woman, if she's the wrong kind
Twenty-one years, babe, is a mighty long time