I wrote you a letter mama, put it in your front yard.
I wrote you a letter, put it in your front yard.
I would love to come and see you but your good man's got me barred.

You wrote me a letter, to come back the Newport noon.
You wrote me a letter mama, come back the Newport noon.
To leave the town, and don't spread the news.

I wrote you a letter mama, sent you a telegram.
I wrote you a letter mama, sent you a telegram.
Not to meet me in Memphis, but meet me in Birmingham.

Mmmmm. Hear me weep and moan.
Mmmmm. Hear me weep and moan.
Don't you hear my pleading? Hear me grieve and groan.

If I could get me one more drink of booze.
If I could get me one more drink of booze.
I guess it would ease these ol' writin' paper blues.

I caught a freight train special, my mama caught a pass'ger behind.
Caught a freight train special, my mama caught a pass'ger behind.
Said you can't quit me papa, there ain't no need in tryin'.