Wash up your face, boys,
Comb up your head;
Now get ready for your coffee and bread.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
It's a piece of cold meat,
And cold corn bread;
It's so cold it's heavy as lead.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
We're in jail
And it's so complete;
About one-half enough to eat.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
It almost makes my stomach ache
When they bring the potatoes
In the old tin plate.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
We're in jail
And it's so nice
Among the dirt and body lice.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
The Wise County jail
Is no jail at all;
The chinches and bugs are walking the wall.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
It almost brings me to my knees
When I hear that jailer
Ring them keys
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
The officers around Norton
Are a dirty old crew;
They will arrest a poor man.
And look him plumb through.
His pockets they'll pick
And his clothes they'll sell
For twenty-five cents,
They would send him to hell.
It's hard times in the Wise County jail;
It's hard times I know.
