On this old rock pile, with a ball and chain
They call me by a number not a name, Lord Lord
I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time
With an achin' heart and a worried mind

When that old judge, looked down and smiled
Said, "I'll put you up that river for a while" Lord Lord
I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time
With an achin' heart and a worried mind

You can hear my hammer, you can hear my song
Gonna swing it like John Henry all day long, Lord Lord
I've gotta do my time, I've gotta my time
With an achin' heart and a worried mind

Well now it won't be long, just a few more days
I'll settle down and quit my rowdy ways, Lord Lord
With that gal of mine, yeah with that gal of mine
She's a waiting for me, while I've done my time