The Prison Dance

The prison dance

I got my first prison letter, from the woman in cell B
Tomorrow night's the prison dance, she wants to go with me
I hate to let her down like this, I know it isn't right
I can't take her to the dance cause they're hanging me tonight.

I know she won't be left alone, for this there is no doubt
There are lots of other inmates who would love to take her out
Like Fredrick the forger, and that cut throat Mack the knife
I can't take her to the dance, cause they're hanging me tonight

So darling, number 493, my number's up the warden's hanging me
Such an awful shame it is, I know it isn't right
I can't take her to the dance cause they're hanging me tonight

I wonder what she's wearing, her red stripes or her blue
I hope she wears the red one, cause it matches her tattoo
When she's walking in the prison yard, beneath the big search light
I hope she'll dance a set for me cause they're hanging me tonight

So darling, this is goodbye again, and only time will tell
Who'll be dancing with you, when the warden gives me hell
It was such a nice suggestion, I only missed it by one night
I'll be swinging but not with you dear, cause they're hanging me tonight