Chain Gang Blues
Composer(s): Spencer Williams
Performer(s): Ma Rainey



Working on the chain gang was not reserved for men alone 
Women and young girls could be sentenced too to work on the "county road" 
as Ma Rainey sings here

The judge found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down 
The judge found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down
Just a poor gal in trouble, I know I'm county road bound

Many days of sorrow, many nights of woe 
Many days of sorrow, many nights of woe
And a ball and chain everywhere I go

Chains on my feet, padlock on my hand 
Chains on my feet, padlock on my hand
It's all on account of stealing a woman's man

It was early this morning that I had my trial 
It was early this morning that I had my trial
Ninety days on the county road, and judge didn't even smile