The Judge Cliff Davis Blues

Oh yes, oh yes, I now declare the court, city of Memphis, open
Let's have it quiet in the courtroom, please
Everybody be seated
Open the court, Mr. Officer
First case on the docket today is the city of Memphis against Mr. Crow

The other afternoon, I was sitting in the courthouse cell
The other afternoon, I was sitting in the courthouse cell
I was listenin' to what was going on

After every case was tried, the prisoners were led inside
After every case was tried, the prisoners were led inside
As they passed by, thought I heard somebody cry

I'm on my way to jail, that's why you hear me wail
I'm on my way to jail, that's why you hear me wail
I've got the Judge Smith Davis blues

I'm through with doin' wrong, just listen to my song
I'm through with doin' wrong, just listen to my song
I've got the Judge Smith Davis blues

I told the judge my tale of woe, he's heard that very tale before
I told the judge my tale of woe, he's heard that very tale before
That's why you hear me wail, I'm on my way to jail

I've got the Judge Smith Davis blues
Memphis gave us the Judge Smith Davis blues
I've got the Judge Smith Davis blues
Good Lord, save us, the Judge Smith Davis blues