[Intro]
(Heavy, rhythmic thumping like a heartbeat, accompanied by a weeping saxophone)
(Ooh-ooh-ooh...)
(Hear me, Mr. Jailer...)
[Verse 1]
Please Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
I’m down here on my knees, won't you let my man go free?
The house is cold and quiet, and the clock is ticking slow
And I’ve got nowhere else in this world to go
Please Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
[Verse 2]
I know they found the money, and I know they found the gun
But he only did what must be done when a man is on the run
He was trying to feed a hunger, he was trying to pay the rent
Now he’s paying for a lifetime for every dime he spent
Please Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
[Verse 3]
I see him through the wire, I see him through the glass
I’m watching all the best years of our young lives pass
They’ve got him in a uniform of charcoal gray and white
While I’m wearing out the carpet through the middle of the night
Yeah, yeah, Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
[Bridge]
(Tempo builds—drums get louder)
You got the keys dangling right there at your hip
You’re the only one who can end this lonesome trip!
You say he’s just a number, just a name upon a page
But you’re keeping all my sunshine locked inside a cage!
Is there a heart beneath that badge? Is there a soul behind that coat?
Or are you just the man who’s got my spirit by the throat?
Let him out! (Let him out!)
Let him go! (Let him go!)
[Verse 4]
Just look into his eyes, sir, and tell me what you find
He’s got a mother’s temper but a father’s honest mind
He didn’t mean no sorrow, he didn’t mean no harm
He just belongs right here, wrapped inside my arms
Please Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
[Guitar/Saxophone Solo - Slow and Sultry]
[Verse 5]
The warden says he’s guilty, and the jury says the same
But they don’t know the man, they only know the name
If loving him is wicked, then put the cuffs on me
‘Cause I’m just as much a prisoner as he’ll ever be!
Please Mr. Jailer, won't you let my man go free?
[Outro]
(Slow, fading rhythm)
Yeah, let him go...
I’m waiting at the gate, Mr. Jailer.
I’ll be there in the morning sun...
(Whoa-oh-oh)
I’m begging you, please...
Don't make a widow out of me.
Just turn that key...
Set him free.
(Fades out with a final, soulful belt)
Free!