Oh Warden
Working on the coal pile
Busting rocks at night
Working me to death for four cents an hour
An now you know that isn't right
Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees
Scrub floors in the day time
Bust rocks by the moon
When I go to the mess hall
Got to eat my meat with a spoon
Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees
Boss man says I'm lazy
I try not to frown
I know if I make him angry
He'll knock me down on the ground
Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees