Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell

Lord I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell

Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite

Used to be my rider but she just won't treat me right

Got a red-eyed captain and a squabbling boss

Got a mad dog sergeant honey and he won't knock off

I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell

Lord I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell

I asked the government to knock some days off my time

Well the way I'm treated I'm about to lose my mind

I wrote to the governor please turn me a-loose

Since I don't get no answer I know it ain't no use

I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell

Lord I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell

I hate to turn over and find my rider gone

Walking across my floor Lordy how I moan

Lord I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell

I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell