[Verse 1]
When I was just a little young boy
Papa said "Son, you'll never get far
I'll tell you the reason if you wanna know
'Child of mine, there isn't really very far to go"
Baby, baby wants a gold diamond ring
Wants it more than just any old thing
Well, when I get those jelly roll blues
Why, I'd go and get anything in this world for you
Down to the jewelry store packing a gun
"Wrap it up. I think I'll take this one"
"A thousand dollars please," the jewelry man said
Dupree, he said, "I'll pay this one off to you in lead"

[Chorus]
Well, you know, son, you just can't figure
First thing you know you got to pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 2]
Judge said, "Son, it's gonna cost you some time"
Dupree said, "Judge, you know that crossed my mind"
Judge said, "Fact it's gonna cost you your life"
Dupree, he said, "Judge, you know that seems to me to be about right"
Baby, baby's gonna lose her sweet man
Dupree come out with a losing hand
Baby's gonna weep it up for a while
Then go out and find another sweet man's gonna put her in style
Judge said "Son, I know your baby well
But that's a secret I can't ever tell"
Dupree said, "Judge, well, it's well understood
You got to admit that that sweet, sweet jelly's so good"
[Chorus]
Well, you know, son, you just can't figure
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

[Instrumental Break]

[Outro]
Same old story and I know it's been told
Some like jelly jelly, some like gold
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get baby a shiny diamond ring

[Instrumental]