Johnny Dowd
"Rose Tattoo"

Came into town all dressed in black
Stetson hat and a gold tooth guitar slung across his back
Walked into the pawn shop and he stuck out his hand
Said hey Mr. Pawnbroker what'll you give me for this wedding band

A fair price I'll give you not a penny less
But I'm curious about you I must confess
What is your story won't you tell it to me
What makes you think you deserve my sympathy

Hey Mr. Pawnbroker he replied do you have a wife
Do you think she thinks about you every minute of your life
Is her name Coretta does she have a rose tattoo
Do you know who she was married to before she was married to you

Now I must be leaving to catch a train out west
Maybe you'll think twice before asking someone to confess
I'm a holiness preacher I been born anew
Look for me on Sundays I'll be somewhere preaching the blues