Four Walls of Raiford Songtext

von Yonder Mountain String Band

Well, there were four walls of Raiford closing in on me
Doing three to five hard labor for armed robbery
I had two years behind me, but I could not wait the time
Every time I thought about it, well, I died some more inside.

I had stripes on my back, memories that hurt
For the only time that I'd see the sun shine was when I went to work
Digging ditches for the chain gang, sleeping in the cold
Oh Lord, please forgive me for I could not wait no more.

[Chorus]
I'm coming home to see Jesus, well, it feels so close this time
Please take mercy on a soldier from the Florida-Georgia line
When they find me they must kill me; oh Jesus, save my soul
I can't go back down to Raiford, I can't take that anymore.

Well, these last few years behind me, Oh Lord, they've been so sad
I fought proudly for my country when the times were bad
Now, they say that I am guilty, When they find me I must die
Only me and Jesus know that I never stole a dime.

Well when that war was over, there was no work here for me
I had a pretty wife and baby and two kids I had to feed
Now I'm one of America's heroes, When they shoot me down
Won't you fly Old Glory proudly, put my medals in the ground.