| My mama always told me better
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| Than to play with a loaded gun
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| If I’d’ve just listened to her she’d’ve
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| Never had a prisoner for a son
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| The picture’s still in front of my eyes
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| The echo in my ears
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| When the jury said he’s guilty
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| And the judge said ninety-nine years
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| Oh, for ninety-nine years I’ll watch
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| The sunrise over that some old sea
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| Ninety-nine years nothing but
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| An empty cell for company
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| Yet there’s not very much that stands between
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| Me and the freedom I hold dear
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| Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall
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| And a sentence of ninety-nine years
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| I kissed my darling on her tender lips
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| And they took me by the hand
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| I had a nice little ride on a ferry boat
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| To the rock where the prison stands
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| The warden said as he locked the door
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| I hope you’ll like it here
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| Just make yourself a home
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| You’re gonna be with us ninety-nine years
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| I’ve almost forgotten what my real name is
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| Been a number for so long
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| Making little bitty rocks out of great big rocks
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| Gets old as the days wear on
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| But I’ll do my best for ninety-nine years
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| Just try to stay alive
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| 'Cause the Governor said if I’d be good
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| I’d get out in ninety-five
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| Oh, for ninety-nine years I’ll watch
|
| The sunrise over that some old sea
|
| Ninety-nine years nothing but
|
| An empty cell for company
|
| Yet there’s not very much that stands between
|
| Me and the freedom I hold dear
|
| Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall
|
| And a sentence of ninety-nine years |