Ellis Unit One

I was fresh out of the service

It was back in '82

I raised some cane when I come back to town

Meant to be all I can be

Come home without a clue

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

Then they transferred me to Ellis Unit One

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low and carry me home

Now my daddy used to talk about those long nights at the walls

How they used to strap 'em in the chair

And the kids down from the college yeah they'd bring their beer and all

When the lights went out, a cheer rose in the air

Yeah I guess folks just got too civilized with Sparky's gatherin' dust

And no one wants to touch a smokin' gun

They got the injection now

Don't mind as much, I guess

They just put 'em down on Ellis Unit One

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low and carry me home

Yeah, I've seen 'em fight like lions, boys

I've seen 'em go like lambs

I've helped to drag 'em when they could not stand

And I've heard their mamas cryin' when they heard that big door slam

And I've seen the victims' families holdin' hands

Last night I dreamed I woke up with straps across my chest

And something cold and black all 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

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low and carry me home

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low and carry me home

And carry me home