On a long lonesome journey I'm going
Oh darling, please don't you cry
Though in shackles and chains they will take me
To a prison to stay till I die

And at night through the bars, I will gaze at the stars
And long for your kisses in vain
And the fable I'll use for my pillow
My companions will be shackles and chains

Let your arms through the bars once more darling
Let me kiss those sweet lips I love best
In heartache, you're my consolation
In sorrow, my haven of rest

And at night through the bars, I will gaze at the stars
The plans that we made were in vain
And the bible I'll use for my pillow
While I'm sleeping in shackles and chains
I'll be sleeping in shackles and chains