Week in a Country Jail

Tom T. Hall

About 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:
1970
38 
#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


10 facts about this song

Song Artist
"A Week in a Country Jail" is performed by Tom T. Hall, a celebrated American country music songwriter and singer.
Chart Topper
Upon its release in 1970, the song climbed to number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles, asserting Halls' influential status in the genre.
Song Classification
It's a country song, which means it employs elements typical of the genre like storytelling lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and a rural, down-home vibe.
Inspiration
Hall often drew inspiration from his life experiences, and "A Week in a Country Jail" is believed to be based on a real-life event when he was arrested for hunting without a license.
Signature Singing Style
The song reflects Hall's conversational storytelling style that resonates with listeners and solidifies his reputation as "The Storyteller".
Album Release
"A Week in a Country Jail" is also the title track of Tom T. Hall's third studio album, released in 1970.
Prolific Artistic Career
The success of "A Week in a Country Jail" further cemented Tom T. Hall's career. He went on to write numerous top-rated hits and won a Grammy Award.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics narrate a man's experience of spending a week in a country jail, portraying the mundane life inside and the longing for freedom.
Song Length
"A Week in a Country Jail" runs for about 3 minutes, which is typical for most country music songs of that era.
Legacy
Even though "A Week in a Country Jail" is over 50 years old, it is still widely respected and recognised as one of the emblematic works of '70s country music.

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