INTRO (Spoken: Dessa: Good mornin', judge, how do you feel this mornin'? Funny Papa: Why hello there, Betty. Why here you come back up here again, didn't you? Dessa: No, judge, I didn't come--they brought me here. Funny Papa: I'm sorry, Betty.)
They got you charged with handlin' liquor, now tell me what is your plea?
They got you charged with handlin' liquor, Betty, tell me what is your plea?
You know I've been givin' you many breaks but the break this mornin' belong to me
I'm guilty, kind old judge, please treat me nice and kind (Spoken, Funny Papa: Yeah, two hundred and costs)
I'm guilty, kind old judge, please treat me nice and kind (Spoken, Funny Papa: I did that, Betty, already)
For I'll send home and try my best, to get money to pay my fine
Well you's a pretty good woman and livin' in a nice neighborhood (Spoken, Dessa: Thank you, judge!)
I know you's a pretty good woman, Betty, and you live in a mighty nice neighborhood
But I think one hundred and costs and thirty days in the Bridewell will do you good. (Spoken, Dessa: Oh me!)
I ain't never seen a judge as mean as you before
I ain't never seen a judge as mean as you before
Sendin' me, a poor woman, and lettin' everybody else go. (Spoken, Funny Papa: Well I had a right to let them go, Betty.)
Don't get back at me, Betty, 'cause I'm liable to change my mind
Don't get back at me, Betty, 'cause I'm liable to change my mind
And change your sentence from the Bridewell's, send you to the pen for ninety-nine
You can do as you please, thirty days won't make me cry
You can do as you please, thirty days won't make me cry (Spoken, Funny Papa: I didn't think it would make you cry, Betty.)
When I come back I'm gonna gamble and sell moonshine all my life. (Spoken, Funny Papa: Well, you'll have a break, Betty.
CODA