Well, Judge looked down, gave me 40 days Instead of the fine that I could not pay Said walk right, you'll soon be home Cross the line and you're on your own 40 Days of shotguns and barbed wire fences 40 nights to sit an listen to the midnight train to Memphis ♪ Well now, whistle blows when the sun comes up Head to floor keep your big mouth shut Eat your breakfast on the ground Work like hell 'til the sun goes down 40 days of shotguns and barbed wire fences 40 nights to sit an listen to the midnight train to Memphis ♪ Well now, ten for the jury, ten for the judge 20 more to forget my grudge When I get to 39 That's the longest day in a prisoner's mind 40 days of shotguns and barbed wire fences 40 nights to sit an listen to the midnight train to Memphis Midnight train to Memphis Midnight train to Memphis On the midnight train to Memphis