Ellis Unit One

[Verse 1]

I was fresh out of the service

It was back in '82

I raised some Cain when I come back to town

I left to be all I could be

Come home without a clue

Now, I married Dawn and had to settle down

[Verse 2]

So I hired on at the prison

Guess I always knew I would

Just like my dad and both my uncles done

And I worked on every cell block now

And things were goin' good

But then they transferred me to Ellis Unit One

[Chorus]

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low

And carry me home

[Verse 3]

Well, my daddy used to talk about them long nights at the walls

And how they used to strap 'em in the chair

The kids down from the college and they'd bring their beer and all

When the lights went out, a cheer rose in the air

[Verse 4]

Well, folks just got too civilized, Sparky's gatherin' dust

'Cause no one wants to touch a smokin' gun

And since they got the injection, they don't mind as much, I guess

They just put 'em down at Ellis Unit One

[Chorus]

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low

And carry me home

[Verse 5]

Well, I've seen 'em fight like lions, boys, I've seen 'em go like lambs

And I've helped to drag 'em when they could not stand

And I've heard their mamas cryin' when they heard that big door slam

And I've seen the victim's family holding hands

[Verse 6]

Last night, I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chest

And something cold and black pullin' through my lungs

And even Jesus couldn't save me, though I know he did his best

But he don't live on Ellis Unit One

[Chorus]

Swing low

Swing low

Swing low

And carry me home

[Outro]

Swing low

Don't let go

Swing low

And carry me home