Last night as I lay sleeping
I had a happy dream
I dreamed that I was standing
Down by the violet stream
Some pretty girl was standing by me
That'd come to go my bail
But I woke up broken hearted
All in the county jail
Then up stepped John Sherman
'Bout ten o'clock
With some keys in his pocket
Some cell for to unlock
Says cheer you up my prisoner
And I thought I heard him say
You're bound for old Nashville
Five long years to stay
Let us ask why all this trouble I've been in
Look no further than the colour of my skin
You don't make it very difficult to see
That locking people up is just another industry
Then up stepped my true lover
With ten dollars in her hand
Says take this my dear Johnny
'Tis all that I command
May heavens guide and protect you
Wherever you may go
"Twas the devils snatch that jury
That sent you far below
Let us ask why all this trouble I've been in
Look no further than the colour of my skin
You don't make it very difficult to see
That locking people up is just another industry
I used to wear a white hat
Ride a horse and saddle fine
I used to court a fair miss
Of course I called her mine
I courted her for beauty
And her love to me did gain
'Til they sent me down old Nashville
To wear the ball and chain
Let us ask why all this trouble I've been in
Look no further than the colour of my skin
You don't make it very difficult to see
That locking people up is just another industry