In the beautiful hills in the mists of Roane County

There's where I have roamed for many long years

There's where my heart's been tendin most ever

There's where the first step of misfortune I made



It's about thirty years when I courted and married

Armanda Gilbraith I'd soon call my wife

My brother he stabbed me for some unknown reason

Just three month's later I'd taken Tom's life



I was captured and tried in the village of Kingston

Not a man in that county would speak one kind word

When the jury came in with the verdict next mornin'

A lifetime in prison was the words that I heard



When the train pulled out poor Mother stood weepin'

And sister she sat all alone with a sigh

And the last words I heard was "Willy God bless you"

Was "Willy God bless you God bless you goodbye"



In the scorching hot sand of the foundry I'm workin'

Toiling and working my poor life away

They'll measure my grave on the banks of old Cumberland

Just as soon as I finish the rest of my days



Poort Martha was grave, but Corey was better

There's better and worse, although you may see

Boys when you write home from this prison in Nashville

Place one of my songs in your letter for me