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
Um, hear me weep and moan Um, 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'