She handled herself well For being handled by two guards She still looked like a prom queen In the back of the sheriff's car The crowd lined up from the court house To the jailhouse down the street How could they talk so bad About a girl who was so sweet Rita's heart turned to ice on a hot night in July She did what she had to do They don't believe the reasons why How he used her for a doormat When he was sober enough to walk As far as I'm concerned He was Rita's only fault You know I've always loved her And one time she loved me too That first love never let me go The way that others do She left me for the quarterback I knew him back in school He had a shiny car and a fast smile But I always knew he was a fool Rita's heart turned to ice on a hot night in July She did what she had to do They don't believe the reasons why How he used her for a doormat When he was sober enough to walk As far as I'm concerned He was Rita's only fault Now I go to see her Sundays I see the tears in her eyes And I see the same sweet smile That hell can't disguise If I'd have only known I'd have done him in myself I'd gladly take her place In that cold grey cell Rita's heart turned to ice on a hot night in July She did what she had to do They don't believe the reasons why How he used her for a doormat When he was sober enough to walk As far as I'm concerned He was Rita's only fault