Got in a little trouble at the county seat Lord, they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street When the judge heard the verdict I was a guilty man He said, "Forty five dollars or thirty days in the can" That'll be cash on the barrel head, son You can make your choice, you're twenty one No money down, no credit plan No time to chase you 'cause I'm a busy man Found a telephone number on a laundry slip I had a good hearted jailer with a six gun hip He let me call long distance, she said, "Number please" And no sooner than I told her she shouted out at me That'll be cash on the barrel head, son Not part, not half but the entire sum No money down, no credit plan 'Cause a little bird tells me you're a traveling man Thirty days in the jailhouse, four days on the road I was feeling mighty hungry, my feet a heavy load Saw a greyhound coming, stuck up my thumb Just as I was being seated the driver caught my arm That'll be cash on the barrel head, son This old grey dog is paid to run When the engine stops, the wheels won't roll Give me cash on the barrel head, I'll take you down the road