Ellis Unit One Lyrics

I was just out of the service
It was back in '82
And I raised some Cain when I come back to town
I left to be all I could be
Come home without a clue
Got married up and had to settle down
So I signed 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

And things were going good
But 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 them long nights on the walls
And how they used to strap 'em in the chair
The kids down from the college well they'd bring their beer and all
And when the lights went out a cheer rose in the air
But then folks just got too civilized
And now Sparky's gathering dust
'Cause no-one wants to touch a smoking gun
And since they got injection
They don't care too much I guess
They just put 'em down at Ellis unit one

Swing low, swing low
Swing low and carry me home

Well I seen 'em fight like lions boys
And I seen 'em go like lambs
And I helped to drag 'em when they could not stand
And I've heard their mamas crying
When they heard that big door slam
And I've seen the victim's family holding hands
Last night I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chest
And something cold and black flowing through my lungs
Even Jesus couldn't 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