Cash on the Barrelhead

the Louvin Brothers

Written by Charlie Louvin and Ira Louvin

Key of C · Chords: I IV V

Verse 1

C
Got in a little trouble at the county seat
                                                 G7  C
Lord they put me in the jailhouse for loafing on the street

Verse 2

When the judge heard the verdict I was a guilty man
                                     G7          C
He said forty five dollars or thirty days in the can

Verse 3

C7         F                      C
That'll be cash on the barrelhead son
                  G7                   C
You can make your choice you're twenty one
C7       F              C
No money down no credit plan
           G7                         C
No time to chase you cause I'm a busy man

Verse 4

Found a telephone number on a laundry slip
                            G7             C
I had a good hearted jailer with a six gun hip

Verse 5

He let me call long distance she said number please
                                  G7             C
And no sooner than I told her she shouted out at me

Verse 6

C7         F                      C
That'll be cash on the barrelhead son
             G7                   C
Not part not half  but the entire sum
C7       F              C
No money down no credit plan
                    G7                          C
Cause a little bird tells me you're a traveling man

Verse 7

Thirty days in the jailhouse four days on the road
                               G7           C
I was feeling mighty hungry my feet a heavy load

Verse 8

Saw a greyhound coming stuck up my thumb
                               G7               C
Just as I was being seated the driver caught my arm

Verse 9

C7         F                      C
That'll be cash on the barrelhead son
              G7             C
This old grey dog is paid to run
C7              F                       C
When the engine stops  the wheels won't roll
                    G7                                C
Give me cash on the barrelhead I'll take you down the road