Nobody knows about the jailhouse blues

Till you get within four walls

The old jailer man turns the big black keys

That's when your spirit falls

Then you drag yourself up to the bars

And while you gaze out at the stars

This is what you'll say

Why did I stray from the righteous path

Nobody knows but me

There on the outside you often left

I don't need your sympathy

For after I paid for the liquor I stole

I'll leave this place with no way and gold

So why did I stray from the righteous path

Nobody knows but me

When you realize that you're all alone

Seated in a two by four

That little cell is just a taste of hell

If you ain't been there before

You're locked up tight but they treat you fair

You gave everything that you need in there

That's just why you'll say

Why did I stray from the righteous path

Nobody knows but me

There on the outside you often left

I don't need your sympathy

For after I paid for the liquor I stole

I'll leave this place with no way and gold

So why did I stray from the righteous path

Nobody knows but me

Nobody knows but me