NINETY-NINE
(Bill Anderson)

Bill Anderson - 1962

Also recorded by: Burl Ives




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 and 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 same old sea
Ninety-nine years and nothing but an empty cell for company
There's not very much that stands between me and the freedom I hold so 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 at home, you're gonna be with us ninety-nine years

Oh, for ninety-nine years I'll watch the sunrise over that some old sea
Ninety-nine years and nothing but an empty cell for company
There's not very much that stands between me and the freedom I hold so dear
Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall and a sentence of 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 to 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 and nothing but an empty cell for company
There's not very much that stands between me and the freedom I hold so dear
Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall and a sentence of ninety-nine years













(Contributed by  - February 2010)