Known as pioneers in country music, these artists each shaped the genre in unique ways. Jimmie Rodgers, often called the Father of Country Music, blended blues and folk, earning a lasting legacy, though he passed young.

The Soggy Bottom Boys brought a fresh, soulful sound that captivated many, especially with their hit from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which won a Grammy.

Johnny Cash, with his heavy voice and honest lyrics, became a legend, winning multiple Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Their music continues to inspire and connect with fans worldwide.

About the Song

In the Jailhouse Now is a lively country song that tells the story of a man named Ramblin’ Bob, who ends up in jail after cheating at cards.

The lyrics are humorous and catchy, describing how Bob’s actions led him to trouble. The song’s upbeat rhythm and playful tone make it a memorable tune in the country music genre.

This classic track showcases Jimmie Rodgers’ signature yodeling style and storytelling ability, making it a standout piece in the history of early country music.

In the Jailhouse Now Lyrics by Jimmie Rodgers

Verse 1

I had a friend named Ramblin’ Bob
Who used to steal, gamble and rob
He thought he was the smartest guy in town
But I found out last Monday
That Bob got locked up Sunday
They’ve got him in the jailhouse way downtown

Chorus

He’s in the jailhouse now, he’s in the jailhouse now
I told him once or twice
To quit playing cards and shooting dice
He’s in the jailhouse now
Oh-lay-ee-ee-ee, oh-dee-oh-dee-ee-ee
Ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-dee-del-ee-dee, oh-lay-ee

Verse 2

He played a game called poker
Pinochle, Whist and Euchre
But shooting dice was his greatest game
Now he’s downtown in jail
Nobody to go his bail
The judge done said that he refused the fine

Chorus

He’s in the jailhouse now, he’s in the jailhouse now
I told him once or twice
To quit playing cards and shooting dice
He’s in the jailhouse now
Ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-ee, ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-ee
Ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-dee-del-ee-dee, oh-lay-ee

Verse 3

I went out last Tuesday
Met a girl named Susie
I told her I was the swellest man around
We started to spend my money
Then she started to call me honey
We took in every cabaret in town

Chorus

We’re in the jailhouse now, we’re in the jailhouse now
I told the judge right to his face
We didn’t like to see this place
We’re in the jailhouse now
Ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-ee, ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-ee
Ah-dee-oh-lay-ee-ee-dee, oh-lay-ee

In the Jailhouse Now Lyrics by The Soggy Bottom Boys

Verse 1

I had a friend named Ramblin’ Bob
He used to steal, gamble, and rob
He thought he was the smartest guy around
Well, I found out last Monday
That Bob got locked up Sunday
They’ve got him in the jailhouse way downtown

Chorus

He’s in the jailhouse now
He’s in the jailhouse now
Well, I told him once or twice
To stop playin’ cards and a-shootin’ dice
He’s in the jailhouse now

Yodel

Ah di o-dalee eehee dee-o ti
Ah di o-dalee ee oh dee-o ti
Yodelayee-hee
Yodelayee-hee
Yodelay-ee

Verse 2

Bob liked to play his poker
Pinochle, whist and euchre
But shootin’ dice was his favorite game
But he got throwed in jail
With nobody to go his bail
The judge done said that he refused the fine

Chorus

He’s in the jailhouse now
He’s in the jailhouse now
Well, I told him once or twice
To stop playin’ cards and a-shootin’ dice
He’s in the jailhouse now

Yodel

Ah di o-dalee eehee hee
Ah di o-dalee eehee hee
Yodelayee-hee
Yodelayee-hee
Yodelay-ee

Verse 3

Well, I went out last Tuesday
I met a girl named Susie
I said I was the swellest guy around
Well, we started to spendin’ my money
And she started to callin’ me honey
We took in every cabaret in town

Chorus

We’re in the jailhouse now
We’re in the jailhouse now
Well, I told that judge right to his face
I don’t like to see this place
We’re in the jailhouse now

Yodel

Ah di o-dalee eehee o hee
Ah di o-dalee eehee deeo ti
Yodelayee-hee
Yodelayee-hee
Ah yodelay-ee

In the Jailhouse Now Lyrics by Johnny Cash

Verse 1

I had a friend named Bill Campbell he used to rob steal and gamble
And on the side he’d beg so he mopped up
I told him he shouldn’t do it and Campbell told me he knew it
So he started beggin’ with a bucket instead of a cup

Chorus 1

He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
Well Campbell fluffed his dove when he wore a tuxedo to the country club
He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)

Verse 2

I met his old gal Sadie she said “have you seen Billy lately?”
I said “I don’t believe that he’s about”
She went down to the jail she went down to take him his mail
Then she whispered “Sheriff please don’t let him out!”

Chorus 2

He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
While Campbell’s put away Sadie’s with the sheriff everyday
He’s in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)

Verse 3

Well I remember the last election the prohibitionists were in action
They’s tryin’ to elect themselves a president
Bill Canpbell and John Austin walked from New Orleans to Boston
And they got a bottle in every settlement

Chorus 3

They’re in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
They’re in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)
They were down at the railroad track stealin’ a train to haul it back
They’re in the jailhouse now (he’s in the jailhouse now)

Similar Songs Like In The Jail House

Here are other songs similar to In the Jailhouse Now. These songs share a similar old-time country and folk vibe, highlighting storytelling and traditional themes:

• Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas): This song showcases a classic blend of country blues with distinctive yodeling, telling a heartfelt story about love and loss.
• I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow: A classic American folk song, this version is known for its lively bluegrass arrangement and narrative lyrics about hardship and wandering.
• Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie: This traditional cowboy ballad tells a poignant story with a simple, rootsy arrangement, echoing the storytelling style of early country and folk music.
• God’s Gonna Cut You Down: A modern take on a traditional folk tune, Cash’s version features stark instrumentation and a strong narrative, fitting the classic Americana and folk tradition

Similar Artists Like Jimmie Rodgers, The Soggy Bottom Boys, & Johnny Cash

If you enjoy the classic sounds and storytelling of Jimmie Rodgers, The Soggy Bottom Boys, and Johnny Cash, here are a few artists you might like:

• Hank Williams
  Genre: Country
  Top Albums: 40 Greatest Hits (2003), The Best of Hank Williams (2010)
• Woody Guthrie
  Genre: Folk
  Top Albums: Dust Bowl Ballads (1940), The Best of Woody Guthrie (2007)
• Bill Monroe
  Genre: Bluegrass
  Top Albums: The Essential Bill Monroe (2000), Bluegrass Classics (1995)
• Merle Haggard
  Genre: Country
  Top Albums: The Best of Merle Haggard (2006), Hag: The Studio Recordings (2016)
• Doc Watson
  Genre: Folk, Bluegrass
  Top Albums: Southbound (1966), The Vanguard Years (1995)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes In The Jailhouse Now Stand Out in Country Music?

It blends humor and storytelling with catchy rhythm, creating a timeless, fun song that many artists have covered.

How does the Song Portray the Character’s Situation?

It humorously shows the character’s troubles caused by his actions, making it easy to relate to.

What Role does Humor Play in the Song’s Lyrics?

Humor lightens the theme of trouble, turning a serious subject into an entertaining story.