Worried Man Blues

I went across the river and I lay down to sleep
I went across the river and I lay down to sleep
I went across the river and I lay down to sleep
When l woke up, had shackles on my feet.

[Chorus:]
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
I'm worried now but I won't be worried long.

Around my leg, I've got twenty nine links of chain
Around my leg, I've got twenty nine links of chain
Around my leg, I've got twenty nine links of chain
And on each link, an initial of my name.

[Chorus]

I asked that judge, what's gonna be my fine
I asked that judge, what's gonna be my fine
I asked that judge, what's gonna be my fine
Twenty one years on the Rocky Mountain line.

[Chorus]

I looked down the track, as far as I can see
I looked down the track, as far as I can see
I looked down the track, as far as I can see
A little bitty hand, was waving back at me.

[Chorus]

Words and Music: A.P. Carter
(as it appears on the album Riding In Folkland)

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