I've laid around played around this old town too long
Summer's almost gone winter's comin' on
I've laid around played around this old town too long and I feel like I've gotta travel on

Papa writes to Johnny but Johnny can't come home
Johnny can't come home no Johnny can't come home
Papa writes to Johnny but Johnny can't come home
He's been on that chain gang too long
I've laid around played around...

[guitar ]

High sheriff and police ridin' after me ridin' after me comin' after me
High sheriff and police they' ridin' after me and I feel like I've gotta travel on
I've laid around played around...

[ guitar ]

Wanna see my baby wanna see her bad wanna see her bad I've gotta see her bad
Wanna see my baby I wanna see her bad she's the best gal this poor boy ever had

I've laid around played around...