I got in a little trouble at the county seat
Lord they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street
When the judge said guity he made his point
He said forty five dollars or thirty days in the joint

That'll be cash on the barrelhead hon
You can make your choice you're twenty one
No money down no credit plan
No time to chase you cause I'm a busy man
[ mandolin - dobro ]
Found a telephone number on a laundry slip
I had a good hearted jailer with a six gun hip
He let me call long distance she said number please
Just as soon as I told her she shouted back at me

Said that'll be cash on the barrelhead hon
Not parting out head but the entire sum
No money down no credit line
Cause a little bird tells me you're a travelling kind
[ fiddle ]
Thirty days in the jailhouse four days on the road
I was feeling mighty hungry my feet a heavy load
I saw a greyhound coming stuck up my thumb
As soon as I was seated the driver caught my arm

That'll be cash on the barrelhead hon
This old grey dog is paid to run
When the engine stops and the wheels will roll
Give me cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road
Cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road