Got in a little trouble at the county seat Lawd, they put me in the jail house for loafing on the street When the judge heard the verdict I was a guilty man He said forty-five dollars or thirty days in the can Said, that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son You can take your choice you're twenty-one No money down, no credit plan No time to chase you cause I'm a busy man Found a telephone number on a laundry slip I had a good hearted jailer with a six gun hip He let me call long distance, she said number please And no sooner than I told her, she shouted out at me That'll be cash on the barrelhead son Not part not half but the entire sum No money down, no credit plan Cause a little bird told me, you're a travellin' man Thirty days in the jailhouse, four days on the road I was feeling mighty hungry my feet a heavy load Saw a greyhound coming stuck up my thumb Just as I was being seated, the driving caught my arm Said that'll be cash on the barrelhead son This old gray dog gets paid to run When the engine starts, lawd, the wheels won't roll Give me cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road