BACK IN DURHAM JAIL lyrics and chords

"Back in Durham Jail"  It’s a darkly humorous song that tells the story of a man imprisoned in Durham Jail (a famous prison in County Durham, England) and reflects on themes of regret, punishment, and resilience.

Song Meaning and Themes

1. Imprisonment and Regret:
   The narrator of the song finds himself back in jail after making poor life choices. The repetitive nature of the title highlights the cyclical nature of crime and punishment, which can be both humorous and tragic.
2. Dark Humor:
   The song’s tone has a wry, self-deprecating humor—the narrator doesn’t take himself too seriously and seems resigned to his fate. This kind of humor is common in folk songs, especially those from the working-class traditions of England and Ireland.
3. Social Commentary:
   The song subtly touches on themes of poverty, hardship, and societal pressures that often lead people down the wrong path. While the song focuses on the narrator’s personal experience, it reflects broader social issues.
4. Resilience and Acceptance:
   Despite the bleak circumstances, the song’s tone suggests a level of resilience and acceptance of life’s difficulties, which is a common theme in folk music.

Cultural Context

• Durham Jail was a well-known institution and symbol of punishment in the North East of England, making it a recognizable reference for the song’s audience.
• The song is often performed in folk music sessions, where its catchy melody and humorous lyrics make it a favorite singalong.

Musical StyleThe song is typically performed with a simple folk arrangement, often with guitar or accordion, emphasizing the storytelling and humor of the lyrics.

The sheet music is included.4/4 (Jez  Lowe)Irish Song Lyrics Guitar Chords The chords fit the Dubliners version. Return to the list of Dubliners songs .

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G-G-D-D   G-G-D-D   G-G-D-D   G-D-G-G

C-G-D-G   C-G-D-G   C-G-D-G   C-G-D-G

I'm a (G)poor man as (D)honest as they come

I (G)never was a thief until they (D)caught me,

The (G)judge said he (D)swore me hands were red,

No (G)matter how I (D)pled they found me (G)guilty,

There was (D)no bail, I'm (G)off to Durham Jail,

I'm (D)going and nothing now can (G)save me,

Ca(D)lamities they (G)always come in threes,

And that's how many (D)months it was they (G)gave me.

 Chorus

And (C)it's no (G)never in the (D)livelong (G)day,

(C)Will you (G)find me back in (D)Durham (G)Jail.

(C)No (G)never in the (D)livelong (G)day,

(C)Will you (G)find me back in (D)Durham (G)Jail.

 G-G-D-D   G-D-G-G

'Twas a (G)gray day when (D)first I went astray,

The (G)devil take the man who came to (D)tempt me,

For in (G)no time me (D)life was one of crime,

And (G)now you see the (D)trouble that its (G)got me.

There are (D)four bare (G)walls at which stare,

Me (D)food and me lodgings they are (G)paid for,

You (D)can't see the (G)turning of the key,

To hear the turning (D)that is all you (G)wait for.

Chorus
Instrumental verse + chorus

Oh it's (G)sad to say that (D)here I to stay,

With (G)only iron bars around to (D)lean on,

I get a (G)cold bath to (D)dampen down me wrath,

Though it's (G)barely just a (D)month ago I (G)got one,

(D)God knows I (G)need a suit of clothes,

You'd (D)think they could have found a one to (G)fit me

Me (D)boots would be fine if (G)they were both a nine,

I'm walking like a (D)fall of stones had (G)hit me

 Chorus

G-G-D-D   G-D-G-G

 And I'm (G)sure that me (D)mother's heart would break,

To (G)see me in a state of such re(D)pentance,

I'm (G)glad she's (D)not around to see,

And I'll be (G)out before she (D)finishes herG)sentence,

The (D)sun will shine, I'll (G)leave it all behind,

Know(D)ing I've done me time and done me (G)duty,

Then (D)out of the gate on the (G)narrow and the straight,

To the place where I've (D)buried all the (G)booty.
Chorus
Instrumental verse + chorus

Jez Lowe Song Back In Durham Jail

Durham Jail