Lightnin' Hopkins lyrics

Jailhouse Blues blues lyrics

Lightnin' Hopkins did serve some time on the chain gang; he carried the scars on his leg the rest of his life. This recording is from 1946. He later recorded other blues on this theme, such as Penitentiary Blues in 1959, with more personal lyrics than here.

Well I wouldn't mind staying in jail, but I've gotta stay there so long
Well I wouldn't mind staying in jail, but I've gotta stay there so long
You know it seem like all my friends, you know they done shook hands and gone
Thirty days in jail, with my back turned to the wall
Thirty days in jail, with my back turned to the wall
Yes you know some other skinner (?) must be kickin' in my stall
Hey mister jailer please, will you please bring me the key
Hey mister jailer, will you please sir bring me the key
I just want you to open the door, cause this ain't no place for me