Working on the coal pile
Busting rocks at night
Working me to death for four cents an hour
An now you know that isn't right

Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees

Scrub floors in the day time
Bust rocks by the moon
When I go to the mess hall
Got to eat my meat with a spoon

Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees

Boss man says I'm lazy
I try not to frown
I know if I make him angry
He'll knock me down on the ground

Oh Warden
Have mercy on me please
I'm in this penitentiary
Begging on bended knees