When I was just a little young boy
Papa said, "Son, you'll never get far"
I'll tell you the reason, if you wanna know
'Cause child of mine, there isn't really very far to go
Well, baby baby wants a gold diamond ring
Wants it more than most any old thing
Well when I get those jelly-roll blues
Why I go and get anything in this world for you?
And down to the jewelry store packin' a gun
Says, "Wrap it up I think I'll take this one"
"A thousand dollars please", the jewelry man said
Dupree said, "I'll pay this one off to you in lead"
Well you know son, you just can't figure
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder, your reason goes bad
Jelly-roll will drive you so mad
Judge said, "Son, it's gonna cost you some time"
Dupree said, "Judge you know that crossed my mind"
Judge said, "Fact it's gonna cost you your life"
Dupree said, "Judge you know that seems to me to be about right"
Well, baby baby's gonna lose her sweet man
Dupree come out with a losin' hand
Baby's gonna weep it up for a while
Then go out and find another sweet man's gonna treat her with style
Judge said, "Son, I know your baby well
But that's a secret that I can never tell"
Dupree said, "Judge, well it's well understood
And you got to admit that, that sweet Jelly's so good"
Well you know son, you just can't figure
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder, your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you so mad
Same old story and I know it's been told
Some like Jelly Jelly, some like gold
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get, baby a shinin' diamond ring