I had a friend named Bill Campbell he used to rob steal and gamble And on the side he'd beg so he mopped up I told him he shouldn't do it and Campbell told me he knew it So he started beggin' with a bucket instead of a cup He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) Well Campbell fluffed his dove when he wore a tuxedo to the country club He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) [ guitar ] I met his old gal Sadie she said have you seen Billy lately I said I don't believe that he's about She went down to the jail she went down to take him his mail Then she whispered sheriff please don't let him out He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) While Campbell's put away Sadie's with the sheriff everyday He's in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) [ guitar ] Well I remember the last election the prohibitionists were in action They's tryin' to elect themselves a president Bill Canpbell and John Austin walked from New Orleans to Boston And they've got a bottle in every settlement They're in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) They're in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now) They were down at the railroad track stealin' a train to haul it back They're in the jailhouse now (he's in the jailhouse now)