Got there on Monday Behind this wall and all them doors You got me doin' work, woman And I never worked before 'Bout to blow my fuse Penitentiary blues They gave me clothes on Tuesday Like I ain't ever seen before The kind of rags my momma used To scrub our kitchen floor And funny square-toed shoes Penitentiary blues All that marijuana Selling cocaine Now they're taking blood tests From my heroin veins Oh baby Things I used to do now I was born to lose Penitentiary blues I miss my main street women I miss my Ohio street wine I miss the cats down on the corner We used to have a swingin' time, child Chalkin' up our cues Penitentiary blues All that marijuana Selling cocaine Now they're taking blood tests From my heroin veins Oh baby Things I used to do now I was born to lose Penitentiary blues