CHAIN GANG BLUES
Ma Rainey


Working on the chain gang was not reserved for
men alone. Women and young girls could be
sentenced too to work on the "county road" as
Ma Rainey sings here.

The judge found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down (x 2)
Just a poor gal in trouble, I know I'm county road bound

Many days of sorrow, many nights of woe (x 2)
And a ball and chain everywhere I go

Chains on my feet, padlock on my hand (x 2)
It's all on account of stealing a woman's man

It was early this morning that I had my trial (x 2)
Ninety days on the county road, and judge didn't even smile.



(Contributed by Andy & Mogg - February 2003)