The court room was crowded, the judge waited there
My mother was crying when I left my chair
The sentence was sharp for it cut like a knife
For ninety nine years is almost for life
I dreamed of the whistle I hear the bells ring
My mother was coming some good news to bring
I knew that she loved me and that she'd be true
She said she would save me, I'm as guilty as you
She went for a pardon or else a parole
I know she'll come back for she's part of my soul
If she ever fails me I'll be mighty blue
I'll stay in this jail house, I'll die in here too
They said I was guilty and to my despair
They sent me to Nashville and shaved off my hair
So come hear my story I'll tell you my fate
I'm serving in Nashville for another man's hate
I just got a litter from Nashville town
And after I read it my spirit broke down
It said that my sweetheart and the judge would be we
And here in this jail house I wish I was dead
No matter how right a man he may be
Bad company will send him to prison like me
So take a good woman and make her your wife
For ninety nine years, folks, Is almost for life