[Verse 1]
When I was just a little young boy
Papa said "son, you'll never get far
I'll tell you the reason if you want to know
'Cause child of mine, there isn't really very far to go"

[Verse 2]
Well baby, baby wants a gold diamond ring
Wants it more than most any old thing
Well when I get those jelly roll blues
Why I'd go and get anything in this world for you

[Verse 3]
Down to the jewelry store packing a gun
Says, "Wrap it up. I think I'll take this one"
"A thousand dollars please," the jewelry man said
Dupree he said, "I'll pay this one off to you in lead"

[Chorus]
Well, you know son you just can't figure
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad -
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

[Verse 4]
Judge said, "Son, this gonna cost you some time"
Dupree said, "Judge, you know that crossed my mind"
Judge said, "Fact it's gonna cost you your life"
Dupree said, "Judge, you know that seems to me to be about right"
[Verse 5]
Well baby, baby's gonna lose her sweet man
Dupree come out with a losing hand
Baby's gonna weep it up for awhile
Then go on out and find another sweet man's
Gonna treat her with style

[Verse 6]
Judge said "son, I know your baby well
But that's a secret I can't never tell"
Dupree said "judge, well it's well understood
And you got to admit that that sweet, sweet jelly's so good"

[Chorus]
Well you know son you just can't figure
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

[Verse 7]
Same old story and I know it's been told
Some like jelly jelly - some like gold
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get baby that shiny diamond ring