Went out last night to take a little round, I met a little Sadie and I blowed her down
Bummed a ride home, got in to bed, 44 smokeless under my head

I began to think what the deed I'd done, grabbed my hat and away'd I run
Made a good run just a little too slow, (they) overtook me in Jericho

Standin' on the corner, ringin' the bell, up walks the sheriff from Thomasville
Says "young man is your name Brown? 'Member that night you shot Sadie down?"

Oh yes sheriff my name is Lee, I murdered little Sadie in the first degree
First degree, second degree, if you got any papers you can read 'em to me

Took me downtown, dressed me in black, put me on a train and they sent me back
Had no one for to go my bail, (they) crammed me back in the county jail

Judge and the jury took their stand, the judge held the paper in his right hand
41 days, 41 nights, 41 years to wear the ball and the stripes