Judge Harsh Blues
 

Good morning judge : what may be my fine
Fifty dollars : and eleven twenty‑nine

They arrest me for murder : I ain't never harmed a man
Women hollered murder : and I ain't raised my hand

I ain't got nobody : get me out on bond
I would not mind : but I ain't done nothing wrong

Please Judge Harsh : make it light as you possibly can
I ain't done no work : judge in I don't know when

My woman come a‑running : with a hundred dollars in her hand
Crying judge : please spare my man

One hundred dollars won't do : better run and get you three
I can keep you man : from penitentiary

Because I'm arrested baby : please don't grieve and moan
Penitentiary : seems just like my home

People all hollering : about what in the world they will do
Lots of people had justice : and been in penitentiary too