[Verse 1]
Two tons of steel grinding on the wheels
It's a sound you'll never mistake
As the buzzer rings, you're going to feel the sting
As they open the county jail gate
Once you're inside, there's no place to hide
And you're left to your wits and your fate
And there ain't no sound I've learned more to hate
Than the sound of the county jail gate

[Chorus]
County jail gate
County jail gate
When you hear it, mister, it's too late
The sound of the county jail gate

[Verse 2]
If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime
That's a lesson that I learned real hard
Just twelve years old when they first took me away
'Cause I done stole me a car
Poor choices and regrets, well, I've had my share
But the fault has really been mine
Always thought I'd have years to spare
But I'm just sitting here, doing time
[Chorus]
County jail gate
County jail gate
When you hear it, mister, it's too late
The sound of the county jail gate

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
My mother died when I was inside
That's something I'll never forgive
And wasted time's what's on my mind
'Cause this ain't no way to live
She'd hoped one day that I'd change my ways
And, kids, you should listen up here
What started out as fun became a life on the run
And turned into nothing but fear

[Chorus]
County jail gate
County jail gate
When you hear it, mister, it's too late
The sound of the county jail gate
County jail gate
County jail gate
When you hear it, mister, it's too late
You're behind the county jail gate