When I was a rounder
I stopped in New Orleans
'Cause I've had long days away from home
I didn't know nobody that I seen

I's walkin' along the street one day
I didn't mean no harm
The police is up and they seen me
And they began to make their laws

Ain't it hard, ain't it hard
Just lookin' through the bars?
The police looked an seen me
And they began to make their laws

They seen I was a stranger
They soon got on my trail
Soon they had me surrounded
And taked me to the city jail

Now, ain't it hard, ain't it hard
Just lookin' through the bars?
Soon they had me surrounded
And taked me to the city jail

When I got in jail, I
Didn't know what to do
There was no one I knew
I could carry my troubles to

Now, ain't it hard, ain't it hard
Just lookin' through the bars?
There was no one I knew
I could carry my troubles to

I invited you write my dear old mother
It made her lonesome and blue
Tell you needn't no worry
Mother's comin' after you

Now ain't it grand, ain't it grand?
I don't see how she can stand
She said, 'Son, you needn't t' worry
Mother's comin' after you'