There's barbwire all around it

Gates close after dark

Sun sets behind the towers

Sometimes the times are hard

I've seen people make it out

I've seen a few come back and visit

Well, I've heard it called everything

From hell to hometown prison

Well, hell, if this is prison.

Sentence me to life out here

Like them boys in alcatraz

I'll wear my last name

Like a number on my back

Handcuff me to my roots

No, don't ever set me free

Lock me up in a small town

And throw away the key.

No, I ain't trying to run

Ol' red can get some sleep

I'm just fine doing my time

Behind these old pine trees

Shackle and chain me

When I go lay me

Right here six feet deep.

Sentence me to life out here

Like them boys in alcatraz

I'll wear my last name

Like a number on my back

Handcuff me to my roots

No, don't ever set me free

Lock me up in a small town

Yeah, and throw away the key

Away the key.

Lock me up, lock me up

Lock me up in a small town

Lock me up in a small town.

Sentence me to life out here

Like them boys in alcatraz

And I'll wear my last name

Like a number on my back

Handcuff me to my roots

No, don't ever set me free

Lock me up in a small town

Yeah, and throw away the key

Yeah, throw away the key.