I was framin houses in Houston one August afternoon
When the formans wife pulled up in her Lincoln and
She said I've been lookin for you the ol man went home early
Do you want to take a ride to town I said I guess it couldn't do no harm
I threw my hammer down
We were shootin staight tequila when the forman came stormin in
He said Honey now didn't I warn ya what I'd do if I caught you again
Well she pulled out her little pistol she fired and he hit the ground
She grabed my arm we jumped into that lincoln and
I put that hammer down (Chorus)
Hammer Down Hammer down don't look back it's to late now
Ain't nothin you can do about it anyhow
just put that hammer just put that hammer down
I heard the sierins moanin just east of New Orleans
She cryed out to the trooper thank God you rescued me
When they draged me into that courtroom
I knew were I was bound that ol judge threw the book at me
then he threw his hammer down( Chorus)
On a chaingang down in Houston one August afternoon
I see that same ol Lincoln and at the wheel theres a brand new fool
then the warden taps my shoulder he says son quite your foolin around
In 99 years you can lay that hammer down (Chorus)