This is my transcription from the recording at the Internet Archive. Note this is a different recording from the one on YouTube which is referenced and transcribed above. Various discographies and articles list a 1944 recording; I assume that’s the one on YouTube. Also note: the 1936 recording consists of voice and acoustic guitar only; the 1944 recording has fiddle, electric guitar, steel guitar, accordion, and possibly an upright bass. The latter has a typical “western swing” bounce.


I’M READY TO REFORM
Words and music by Rex Griffin
As recorded by Rex Griffin on March 2, 1936, released as Decca 5294 B.

Got in jail on Christmas day; too much gin and wine.
Lord, I think I’m ’bout ready to obey the laws.
If get free, then I’ll believe in Santy Claus.
I mean, I’m ready to reform.

Yonder comes the jailer with a plate o’ beans. Sure do make me sick,
Sleepin’ on a pillow that is hard as stone,
Roaches ‘bove heaven, all the bedbugs gone.
I mean, I’m ready to reform. [Yodel]

Just one thing I’m thankful for: I’ve got no bills to pay.
Lord, the fleas and the cooties sure bite hard.
I done quit scratchin’ ’cause I’m too dern tired. [Pronounced “tard”]
I mean, I’m ready to reform.

When I get out of this calaboose, gonna lay off the gin and wine.
I used to think water’s made to wash your face,
But that’s all I’ll be drinkin’ when I leave this place.
I mean, I’m ready to reform.

Man in his BVDs goin’ down the street, no hat on his head, no shoes on his feet.
You oughta seen the women servin’ in them flats.
I thought I heard ’em say, "What kind o’ man is that?"
I mean, I’m ready to reform. [Yodel]

I asked the jailer man if he would let me go. This is what he said:
“Three more months you have got to stay.
Let me tell you, buddy, when you get away,
You’ll be ready to reform.” [Yodel]