Went out last night to take a little round I met little Sadie and I blowed her down Bummed a ride home, got in to bed .44 smokeless under my head I began to think what the deed I'd done Grabbed my hat and away'd I run Made a good run, just a little too slow Overtook me in Jericho Standin' on the corner, ringin' the bell Up walks the sheriff from Thomasville Said, "Young man, is your name Brown?" 'Member that night you shot Sadie down?" Oh, yes sheriff, my name is Lee I murdered little Sadie in the first degree First degree, second degree If you got any papers you can read'em to me Took me downtown, dressed me in black Put me on a train and then sent me back Had no one for to go my bail They crammed me back in the county jail Judge and the jury took their stand The judge held the papers in his right hand 41 days, 41 nights 41 years to wear the ball and the stripes