[Verse 1]
Got in a little trouble at the county seat
Lord, they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street
When the judge heard the verdict, I was a guilty man
He said, "Forty-five dollars or thirty days in the can"

[Chorus 1]
"That'll be cash on the barrel head, son
You can make your choice, you're twenty one
No money down, no credit plan
No time to chase you 'cause I'm a busy man"

[Verse 2]
Found a telephone number on a laundry slip
I had a good-hearted jailer with a six-gun hip
He let me call long distance, she said, "Number, please"
And no sooner than I told her, she shouted out at me

[Chorus 2]
"That'll be cash on the barrel head, son
Not part, not half, but the entire sum
No money down, no credit plan
'Cause a little bird tells me you're a traveling man"

[Verse 3]
Thirty days in the jailhouse, four days on the road
I was feeling mighty hungry, my feet a heavy load
Saw a greyhound coming, stuck up my thumb
Just as I was being seated, the driver caught my arm
[Chorus 3]
Said, "That'll be cash on the barrel head, son
This old gray dog gets paid to run
When the engine stops, Lord, the wheels won't roll
Give me cash on the barrel head, I'll take you down the road"