I hid a batch in frisco
I couldn't score a job
So I did the next best thing and I learned how to rob
I took that train to Houston
But I couldn't get away
From the five and dime about the time
The constable would say
Come on down
To the Penitentiary
Oh mommy the law came crashing down on me

Playing stud in the evening
The solitary night
Leon has the cigarettes and Capone has got the light
Now I'm shifting squares with a man from Arkansas
He took my rook oh lord and my kings about to fall
Come on down
To the Penitentiary
Oh mommy the law came crashing down on me

And I'm calling from a pay phone
Down around Lawrence bend
Got me a pardon son
Gonna do it all again
Come on down
To the Penitentiary
Oh mommy the law came crashing down on me
Come on down
To the Penitentiary
Oh mommy the law came crashing down on me
Come on down
To the Penitentiary
Oh mommy the law came crashing down on me