Prison Cell Blues
Lament of a Prisoner's Blues: Love Lost and Time Served
Lyrics
Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current situation of sleeping in a lonely cell.
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
Attributing the presence in the cell to someone named Nell.
Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite
Unable to sleep or eat, indicating emotional distress.
Used to be my rider
Referring to someone who used to be a companion or partner.
But she just won't treat me right
Expressing disappointment in the way the mentioned person is treating the singer.
Got a red-eyed captain
Referring to authority figures or people in control, possibly in a negative light.
And a squabbling boss
Describing a boss or supervisor who causes trouble or disagreements.
Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won't knock off
Mentioning a strict and irritable sergeant.
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Reiteration of dissatisfaction with the current state of being in a lonesome cell.
Lord, I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell
Reaffirming that Nell is the reason for being in the unpleasant situation.
I asked the government to knock some days off my time
Seeking leniency from the government to reduce the sentence.
Well, the way I'm treated, I'm about to lose my mind
Expressing frustration and the negative impact of the treatment received.
I wrote to the governor, please turn me a-loose
Requesting the governor for release, implying desperation due to no response.
Since I don't get no answer, I know it ain't no use
Realizing the futility of the request since there is no response from the governor.
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Repetition of the weariness of being in the lonesome cell.
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
Reiterating that Nell is the reason for the current predicament.
I hate to turn over and find my rider gone
Expressing distress at discovering the absence of the rider or partner.
Walking across my floor, Lordy, how I moan
Reacting to the emotional pain caused by the partner's departure.
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
Stating that the situation wouldn't have occurred if it were not for Nell.
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Reiterating the exhaustion of being in the lonesome cell.
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