Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell

Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite
Used to be my rider but she just won't treat me right

Got a red-eyed captain and a squabbling boss
Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won't knock off

I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell

I asked the government to knock some days off my time
Well, the way I'm treated, I'm about to lose my mind

I wrote to the governor, please turn me a-loose
Since I don't get no answer, I know it ain't no use

I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell

I hate to turn over and find my rider gone
Walking across my floor, Lordy, how I moan

Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell