Steve Earle
I raised some Cain when I came back to town
I left to be all I could be, come home without a clue
Then I married Dawn and had to settle down
So I hired on at the prison, guess I always knew I would
Just like my dad and both my uncles done
And I worked on every cell block, now things're goin' good
But then they transfered me to Ellis Unit One
Chorus:
Swing low, swing low
Swing low and carry me home
Well my daddy used to talk about those long nights at the wall
And how they used to strap 'em in the chair
The kids down at the college, they'd bring their beer and all
And when the lights went out, a cheer rose in the air
Well folks just got too civilized, O'l Sparky's gatherin' dust
'Cause no one wants to touch a smokin' gun
And since they got the injection, they don't mind as much I guess
They just send 'em down to Ellis Unit one
Chorus
Well I've seen 'em fight like lions, boys, I seen 'em go like lambs
And I've helped to drag 'em when they couldn't stand
I've gheard they're mammas cryin' when they heard that big door slam
I've seen the victim's family holdin' hands
Last night I dreamed I woke up with straps across my chest
And somethin' cold and black pullin' through my lungs
Even Jesus couldn't save me though I know he did his best
But he don't live on Ellis Unit One
Chorus