I left my girl sad and lonely Left her standing in the rain I went down to the railroad Caught myself a midnight train I beat my way into Texas Landed in a gambling town I got myself into trouble I shot the county sheriff down Oh Lord, I shot the county sheriff down They put the handcuffs on me Tied me with a ball and chain They took me to El Paso They tied me with a ball and chain These prison bars all around me No one to call my bail My heart's sad and so lonely Yes, I wanna get out of this jail Oh Lord, I wanna get out of this jail ♪ The jury read the verdict "Murder in the first degree" The judge said, "Take this prisoner to the penitentiary" They put the handcuffs on me Tied me with a ball and chain I'd left my home forever And I'll never see my girl again Oh Lord, I'll never see my girl again