You know I'd chase the roll around Louisiana
'Til I finally got her down in New Orleans
I could not be told nobody keep a hold on Rosianna

So I guess I'd better show 'em what I mean

The man don't live in Louisiana

To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama
Ain't no ball and chain about her

They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way
home,

Yes I will

In his big cold hand he... my Rosianna

Got me sent up to the pen in Baton Rogue
I caught him lyin' down... -with a ball peen hammer
Yes I did

When I left poor Hank he never got up again

The man don't live in Louisiana

To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama
Ain't no ball and chain about her

They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way
home,

Yes I will

[Fiddle solo]


So let the fact be known any mother's grown boy thinks
I'm funny

Is gonna find hisself a knot just like poor Hank
Yes he will


'Cause the mother don't live in Louisiana
To make me give up my Rosianna
Thought I'd haul back in Alabama

Ain't no ball and chain about her
They can't keep this boy from tryin'
I'm gonna bring her back if I have to drag her all the way

home,
Yes I will