I used to be a rambler,
a bootlegger and gambler,
but really I was a good man.
One day I sold some gin,
sold it to the wrong men,
now they got me down
here in the can.
I've got the jailhouse blues,
the blues I can't lose
Now if ever I get free,
there'll be no more whiskey for me
I've got the jailhouse blues
Oh, my lady, oh, my lady,
oh, my lady
I called up my honey, said, dear,
bring me down some money
They've got me down
here in the jungle
Won't you go my bail
and get me out of jail
But she said go and tell it to the judge
I've got the jailhouse blues,
the blues I can't lose
My baby's turned me down,
when I get out
I'll leave this doggone town
I've got the jailhouse blues
Oh my lady, the old lady, old lady
Now you can understand
Why these doggone women love the man
But wait until he runs out of dough
They'll kick you in the pants
Every time they get a chance
And there won't be no gal no more
I've got the jailhouse blues
The blues I can't lose
My baby turned me down
When I get out
I'll leave this doggone town
I've got the jailhouse blues
The old lady, the lady,
oh, the old lady.