I used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp
Now they got me : doing a different kind of dance

I couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and dice
Now I'm doing the lock‑step baby : things ain't going so nice

It don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains
Because I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain

Mean old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes
I can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock‑step blues

Big rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night
My woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right

Every morning : I walk down that big long hall
I'm screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all