Ninety-Nine - Bill Anderson

My mama always told me better

Than to play with a loaded gun

If I’d’ve just listened to her she’d’ve

Never had a prisoner for a son

The picture’s still in front of my eyes

The echo in my ears

When the jury said he’s guilty

And the judge said ninety-nine years

Oh, for ninety-nine years I’ll watch

The sunrise over that some old sea

Ninety-nine years nothing but

An empty cell for company

Yet there’s not very much that stands between

Me and the freedom I hold dear

Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall

And a sentence of ninety-nine years

I kissed my darling on her tender lips

And they took me by the hand

I had a nice little ride on a ferry boat

To the rock where the prison stands

The warden said as he locked the door

I hope you’ll like it here

Just make yourself a home

You’re gonna be with us ninety-nine years

I’ve almost forgotten what my real name is

Been a number for so long

Making little bitty rocks out of great big rocks

Gets old as the days wear on

But I’ll do my best for ninety-nine years

Just try to stay alive

'Cause the Governor said if I’d be good

I’d get out in ninety-five

Oh, for ninety-nine years I’ll watch

The sunrise over that some old sea

Ninety-nine years nothing but

An empty cell for company

Yet there’s not very much that stands between

Me and the freedom I hold dear

Just a thousand bars, a big brick wall

And a sentence of ninety-nine years