My mama always told me better than to play with a loaded gun
If I'd've just listened to her she'd've never had a prisoner for a son
The picture's still in front of my eyes the echo in my ears
When the jury said he's guilty and the judge said ninety-nine years
Oh for ninety-nine years I'll watch the sunrise over that some old sea
Ninety-nine years nothing but an empty cell for company
Yet there's not very much that stands between me and the freedom I hold dear
Just a thousand bars a big brick wall and a sentence of ninety-nine years

I kissed my darling on her tender lips and they took me by the hand
I had a nice little ride on a ferry boat to the rock where the prison stands
The warden said as he locked the door I hope you'll like it here
Just make yourself a home you're gonna be with us ninety-nine years
I've almost forgotten what my real name is been a number for so long
Making little bitty rocks out of great big rocks gets old as the days wear on
But I'll do my best for ninety-nine years just try to stay alive
Cause the Governor said if I'd be good I'd get out in ninety-five
Oh for ninety-nine years