On this old rock pile, with a ball and chain They call me by a number not a name, Lord Lord I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time With an achin' heart and a worried mind When that old judge, looked down and smiled Said, "I'll put you up that river for a while" Lord Lord I've gotta do my time, I've gotta do my time With an achin' heart and a worried mind You can hear my hammer, you can hear my song Gonna swing it like John Henry all day long, Lord Lord I've gotta do my time, I've gotta my time With an achin' heart and a worried mind Well now it won't be long, just a few more days I'll settle down and quit my rowdy ways, Lord Lord With that gal of mine, yeah with that gal of mine She's a waiting for me, while I've done my time