My mama always told me better
Than to play with a loaded gun
If I'd've just listened to her she'd've
Never had a prisoner for a son

The picture's still in front of my eyes
The echo in my ears
When the jury said he's guilty
And the judge said ninety-nine years

Oh, for ninety-nine years I'll watch
The sunrise over that some old sea
Ninety-nine years nothing but
An empty cell for company

Yet there's not very much that stands between
Me and the freedom I hold dear
Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall
And a sentence of ninety-nine years

I kissed my darling on her tender lips
And they took me by the hand
I had a nice little ride on a ferry boat
To the rock where the prison stands

The warden said as he locked the door
I hope you'll like it here
Just make yourself a home
You're gonna be with us ninety-nine years

I've almost forgotten what my real name is
Been a number for so long
Making little bitty rocks out of great big rocks
Gets old as the days wear on

But I'll do my best for ninety-nine years
Just try to stay alive
'Cause the Governor said if I'd be good
I'd get out in ninety-five

Oh, for ninety-nine years I'll watch
The sunrise over that some old sea
Ninety-nine years nothing but
An empty cell for company
Yet there's not very much that stands between
Me and the freedom I hold dear
Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall
And a sentence of ninety-nine years