I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water Recorded by Stonewall Jackson 1965 Recorded by Johnny Rivers 1966 Lyrics and music by Joseph T. Babcock I was born - - in Macon, Georgia They kept my dad - - in the Macon jail Dad said "Son, if you keep your hands clean You won't hear them bloodhounds on your trail" But I fell in - - with bad companions We robbed a man - - in Tennessee The sheriff caught me - - way up in Nashville They locked me up and threw away the key Chorus: I washed my hands - - in muddy water I washed my hands - - but they didn't come clean I tried to do - - like Daddy told me But I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream I asked the jailor - - "When's my time up?" He said "Son - - we won't forget And if you try - - to keep your hands clean We may make a good man of you yet" I couldn't wait - - to do my sentence I broke out of the Nashville jail I just crossed - - the line of Georgia And I can hear them bloodhounds on my trail Repeat chorus (Tag) Yes I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream