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