Nobody knows about the jailhouse blues till you get within four walls
The old jailer man turns the big black keys that's when your spirit falls
Then you drag yourself up to the bars and while you gaze out at the stars
This is what you'll say
Why did I stray from the righteous path nobody knows but me
There on the outside you often dare I don't need your sympathy
For after I paid for the liquor I stole I'll leave this place with no way and gold
Why did I stray from the righteous path nobody knows but me
[ ac.guitar ]
When you realize that you're all alone seated in a two by four
That little cell is just a taste of hell if you ain't been there before
You're locked up tight but they treat you fair
You gave everything that you need in there
That's just why you'll say
Why did I stray...