A Week in a Country Jail

Tom T. Hall

About A Week in a Country Jail

"A Week in a Country Jail" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Tom T. Hall. It was released in November 1969 as the third and final single from his 1969 studio album Homecoming. The song was Hall's fifth release to reach the U. S. country singles chart and the first of six number-ones. "A Week in a Country Jail" stayed at the top for two weeks and spent a total of thirteen weeks on the chart.


Year:
1969
3:01
223 
#1

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One time I spent a week inside a little country jail
And I don't guess I'll ever live it down
I was sittin' at a red light when these two men came and got me
And said that I was speeding through their town

Well, they said,tomorrow morning you can see the judge then go.
They let me call one person on the phone
I thought I'd be there overnight so I just called my boss
To tell him I'd be off but not for long

Well, they motioned me inside a cell with seven other guys
One little barred up window in the rear
My cellmates said if they had let me bring some money in
We ought to send the jailer for some beer

Well, I had to pay him double 'cause he was the man in charge
And the jailer's job was not the best in town
Later on his wife brought hot bologna, eggs and gravy
The first day I was there I turned it down

Well, next morning they just let us sleep but I was up real early
Wonderin' when I'd get my release
Later on we got more hot bologna, eggs and gravy
And by now I wasn't quite so hard to please

Two days later when I thought that I had been forgotten
The sheriff came in chewin' on a straw
He said, where is the guy who thinks that this is indianapolis? 
I'd like to talk to him about the law.
Well, I told him who I was and told him I was working steady
And I really should be gettin' on my way
That part about me bein' who I was did not impress him
He said, the judge'll be here any day.

The jailer had a wife and let me tell you she was awful
But she brought that hot bologna every day
And after seven days she got to lookin' so much better
I asked her if she'd like to run away

The next mornin' that old judge took every nickel that I had
And he said, son, let this teach you not to race.
The jailer's wife was smilin' from the window as I left
In thirty minutes I was out of state

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Tom T. Hall

Thomas "Tom T." Hall (born May 25, 1936, in Olive Hill, Kentucky) is a retired American country music singer-songwriter. He has written 11 No. 1 hit songs, with 26 more that reached the Top 10, including the No. 1 international pop crossover smash "Harper Valley PTA" and the hit "I Love", which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. He became known to fans as "The Storyteller," thanks to his storytelling skills in his songwriting. more »

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Written by: TOM T. HALL

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song title and Artist
"A Week in a Country Jail" is a popular song by American country music songwriter and singer Tom T. Hall.
Release Year
The song was released in 1969.
Album
It is part of Tom T. Hall's third studio album, 'Homecoming.'
Chart Achievement
Upon its release, "A Week in a Country Jail" clinched the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Inspiration
Tom T. Hall reportedly wrote this song inspired by his own experience of spending a night in jail due to speed driving in the early '60s.
Song Composition
This song follows a storytelling style, a common trait in country music. It accurately portrays the narrative of a man's experience in a county jail, including details about the jailer, the jailer's wife, and the overall experience.
Impact and Recognition
"A Week in a Country Jail" secured Tom T. Hall's foothold as a country music artist and reinforced his identity as a 'storyteller,' earning him widespread recognition and fame.
Lyrics Writing
Tom T. Hall is known for his distinctive voice and narrative-based lyrics. In this song, he used humor and relatability, which was well received by the audience.
Musicality
The song blends traditional country music elements with a catchy melody and a rhythmic scheme, embodying Hall's signature storytelling song style.
Notable Lyrics
The song's memorable opening lines, "One time I spent a week inside a little country jail, and I don't guess I'll ever live it down" set the tune for the amusing tale that comes thereafter.
Cover Versions
Many other artists have covered this song due to its popularity, blending their distinctive styles with the original composition.
Legacy
"A Week in a Country Jail" remains one of Tom T. Hall's most well-known songs and is still beloved by fans of country music.

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