Jacob Green

Jacob Green got busted for possession.
Next morning early he appeared in court.
But he was sent to jail to wait to be tried at some later date.
Next morning early, there came a sad report.

At the jail they took away his clothes to shame him.
And to make sure Jacob Green had no pride left
they cut off all his hair. Today they found him hanging there.
Afraid to face the day he killed himself.

It happened yesterday and if you turn your head away
somewhere in some dirty hole the scene will be rerun.
Not only Jacob Green, but many more you've never seen.

It could be someone that you love gets done
like Jacob Green got done.
It could be someone that you love gets done
like Jacob Green got done.

Jacob's father hired a team of lawyers.
Inspections and long inquiries were held.
The sheriff then retired and the papers said two guards were fired.
They put a brand new coat of paint on Jacob's cell.

But like a tomb that looks so white and shiny,
inside you'll find corruption never seen.
And somewhere out there tonight, in a dirty cell without a light,
they will be locking up another Jacob Green.

It happened yesterday and if you turn your head away
somewhere in some dirty hole the scene will be rerun.
Not only Jacob Green, but many more you've never seen.

It could be someone that you love gets done
like Jacob Green got done.
It could be someone that you love gets done
like Jacob Green got done.

--"Jacob Green" by Johnny Cash (listen on YouTube here)

Johnny Cash before taking the stage at Folsom Prison

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