(Edith Walker, Boone, North Carolina)







Twenty-One Years is A Mighty Long Time



I 

The judge said stand up boy,

and dry up your tears.

Your sentenced to Nashville,

for twenty-One years Babe

Is a mighty long time.



II

Hear the train blow Babe,

She'll be here on time.

To carry me to Nashville,

to serve out my time.

So hold up your head Babe,

and kiss me good-bye.

Best friends must part Babe,

so must you and I.



III

Oh! look down the railroad,

As far as you can see,

And keep on waving,

Your farewell to me.

The steam from the whistle,

the smoke from the stack,

I'm going awaY Babe,

but I will be back.



IV 

Go beg the Governor,

On your sweet soul,

If you can't get a pardon,

try to get a parole.

For if I had the governor

where the governor's got me,

Before Tuesday morning,

that governor would be free.



V

Six months have passed Babe,

I wish I was dead--

This dirty old jail house;

No cloths for a bed,

Its raining its hailing,

the moon gives no light.

Tell me why Babe 

that you never do write?



VI

I've counted the days Babe,

I've counted the nights,

I've counted the moments,

I've counted the lights.

I've counted the footsteps,

I've counted the stars,

I've counted a thousand-

of the prison bars.