The courtroom was crowded the judge waited there   My mother was crying when I left my chair   The sentence were sharpful they cut like a knife   For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life   I dreamed of the whistle I heard the bells ring   My sweetheart was coming some good news to bring   I knew that she loved me and that she'd be true   She said she would save me I'm guilty as you   She went for a pardon or else for parole   I know she'll come back for she's part of my soul   If she ever fails me I'd be mighty blue I'll stay in this jailhouse I'll die in here too   [ dobro ]   They said I was a criminal and to my despair   They sent me to Nashville and shaved off my hair   So come hear my story I'll tell you my fate   I'm serving in Nashville for another man's hate   I just got a letter from Nashville town and after I read it my spirit broke down   It's sad that my sweetheart and the judge would be wed   And here in this jailhouse I wish I was dead   No matter how right folks a man he may be   Bad company will sent him to prison like me   So take a good woman and make her your wife   For ninety ninety years folks is almost for life