"Ellis Unit One" lyrics

I was fresh out of the service
It was back in '82
I raised some Cain when I come back to town
I left to be all I could be
Come home without a clue
Married Dawn and had to settle down
So I hired on at the prison
Guess I always knew I would
Just like my dad and both my uncles done
And I worked on every cell block
Now, things are goin' good
Then they transferred me to Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home

Well, my daddy used to talk about those long nights at the Walls
And how they used to strap 'em in the chair
The kids down from the college yeah they'd bring their beer 'n all
When the lights went out a cheer rose in the air
Folks just got too civilized
Sparky's gatherin' dust
'Cause no one wants to touch a smokin' gun
Since they got the injection
They don't mind as much I guess
Just put 'em down at Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home

I've seen 'em fight like lions, boys
I've seen 'em go like lambs
I've helped to drag 'em when they could not stand
I've heard their mamas cryin' when they heard that big door slam
I've seen the victim's families holdin' hands
Last night I dreamed I woke up with straps across my chest
And something cold and black pullin' through my lungs
Even Jesus could not save me though I know He did His best
But He don't live on Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home

Swing low
Don't let go
Swing low and carry me home