Prison Cell Blues
by 
Blind Lemon Jefferson 
recording of February 1928, Chicago, Illinois 
from Blind Lemon Jefferson (Ace CDCH 399) & 
Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 3 (1928) (Document DOCD-5019) 
& 
Blind Lemon Jefferson (Milestone 47022) 
& 
King of the Country Blues [LP] (Yazoo 1069) 
& 
Matchbox Blues (Indigo 2075) 
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 
__________ 
Note: issued by Paramount under catalogue no. 12622.