Oh my mama always told me better

Than to play with a loaded gun

If I'd just listened to her

She'd never'd had a prisoner for a son

The picture is still in front of my eyes

And the echo in my ears

When the jury said “He's guilty”

And the judge said “Ninety-nine years”

Oh for ninety-nine years

I'll watch the sun rise over the same ol' scene

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

I kissed my darlin' on her tender lips

And they took me by the hand

Had a nice little ride on a ferry boat

To the Rock Worth Prison Stand

The warden said as he locked the door

“I hope you like it here”

“Just make yourself at home

“You're gonna be with us ninety-nine years”

I've almost forgotten what my real name is

Been a number for so long

Making little bitty rocks outta

Great big rocks

Gets old as the days wear on

But I'll do my best for ninety-nine years

Just to try and stay alive

'cuz the governor said

If I'd be good I'd get out at ninety-five

Oh for ninety-nine years

I'll watch the sun rise over the same ol' scene

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