[Verse 1]
San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me
Hosted me since 1963
I've seen 'em come and go and I've seen 'em die
And long ago I stopped asking why

[Verse 2]
San Quentin, I hate every inch of you
You've cut me and you've scarred me through and through
Yes, I'll walk out a wiser, weaker man
Mister Congressman, why can't you understand?

[Verse 3]
San Quentin, what good do you think you do?
Do you think that I'll be different when you're through?
You bent my heart and mind and you made my soul
And your stone walls turn my blood a little cold

[Verse 4]
San Quentin, may you rot and burn in hell
May your walls fall and may I live to tell
May all the world forget you ever stood
And may all the world regret you did no good

[Outro]
San Quentin, you've been a livin' hell to me