You know I'd chase the roll around Louisiana
'Til I finally got her down in New Orleans
I could not be told nobody keep a hold on Rosianna
So I guess I'd better show 'em what I mean

The man don't live in Louisiana
To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama
Ain't no ball and chain about her
They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way home,
Yes I will

In his big cold hand he... my Rosianna
Got me sent up to the pen in Baton Rogue
I caught him lyin' down... -with a ball peen hammer
Yes I did
When I left poor Hank he never got up again

The man don't live in Louisiana
To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama
Ain't no ball and chain about her
They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way home,
Yes I will

[Fiddle solo]

So let the fact be known any mother's grown boy thinks I'm funny
Is gonna find hisself a knot just like poor Hank
Yes he will

'Cause the mother don't live in Louisiana
To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama
Ain't no ball and chain about her
They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way home,
Yes I will