Written by Jimmy Skinner
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 gotta do my time, I 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