Well excuse me sir,
would you do me a favor?
See I need to write a letter,
and I never learned to write.
I got a mom and dad
waiting in Kentucky
and I wanna let them know that their boy turned out all right.
Start it out dear mama,
well I know it's been a long time
and I know I should have written you,
but times have been tough.
But I've been working hard
and putting back a little money
and I'm gonna come see you and daddy
just as soon as I've saved enough.
I bought a little farm
about 35 acres
and I've been working my fingers
right down to the bone
'cause I met a little girl
her name is Jenny Harper
and we're gonna get married
this summer and build a home.
So mama don't worry
about your prodigal son,
he's doing all right,
gonna rest when his day is done,
and one of these days now,
and I pray it won't be long,
you'll look up and see
your prodigal son's come home.
Well thank you sir
for writing down my letter.
Now would you give it to the warden
and ask him to put it in the mail.
Yes I know I lied,
but I just couldn't stand the thought of
my mom and daddy knowing that their boy's lying here in jail
And I know tomorrow
you're gonna come get me,
I've got a date with the hangman's rope at dawn.
But I ain't scared
'cause I know Jesus,
and I know tomorrow I'm gonna make it home.
So tell her don't you worry
about your prodigal son,
he's doing all right,
gonna rest when his days are done,
and one of these days now,
and I pray it won't be long,
you'll look up and see your prodigal son's come home,
you'll look up and see your prodigal son's come home.
Well excuse me sir,
would you do me a favor,
see I need to write a letter
and I never learned to write.