On a long lonesome journey I'm going

Oh darling, please don't you cry

Though in shackles and chains they will take me

To a prison to stay till I die

And at night through the bars, I will gaze at the stars

And long for your kisses in vain

And the Bible I'll use for my pillow

My companions will be shackles and chains

Let your arms through the bars once more darling

Let me kiss those sweet lips I love best

In heartache you're my consolation

In sorrow my haven of rest

And at night through the bars I will gaze at the stars

The plans that we made were in vain

And the Bible I'll use for my pillow

While I'm sleeping in shackles and chains

I'll be sleeping in shackles and chains