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