Lonnie Johnson Lyrics
"I Have To Do My Time (1930)"

Now I understand, why so many own happy homes today.
Now I understand, why so many own happy homes today.
These devils commit these crimes, then a good person's got to pay.

I've got twenty-five years in this hell, the doors slammin' night and day.
I've got twenty-five years in this hell, the doors slammin' night and day.
And they always comin', and no one goin' away.

Mmm, this jail is a lonesome place.
Mmm, the jailhouse is a lonesome place.
It almost killed me, when these doors slammed in my face.

I've only been here one week, and it seems like a year and a day.
I've only been here one week, and it seems like a year and a day.
It almost drives me crazy, to think how much longer I've got to stay.

My baby said, "Mmm, Judge, how much time did you give my man?
Mmm, how much time did you give my man?"
He says, "Only twenty-five years, I tried to be light as I can."

The judge, he said I was guilty, and he couldn't explain.
The judge say I was guilty, and he couldn't explain.
Charged me with forgery and I can't even sign my name.