Mercy on the Midnight Watch

(Heavy, rhythmic thumping like a heartbeat, accompanied by a weeping saxophone)

(Ooh-ooh-ooh...)

(Hear me, Mr. Jailer...)

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?

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?

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?

(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!)

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?

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?

(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!