James, Jimmie Rodgers' first recording of 'In the Jailhouse Now' (1928) has 'Ramblin' Bob'. The lyrics on 'O Brother' follow it fairly closely. Gene has submitted the lyrics of the Rodgers first recording to Cowpie site:

In the Jailhouse Now (No 1)

There is an error in the last line of the second verse - Rodgers sings 'The judge done said that he refused a fine', not 'that he will pay'.

My transcription of Jimmie Rodgers' 'In the Jailhouse Now No 2' (1930) follows:

IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, No. 2
As recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, 1930. (Victor 22523, Montgomery Ward 4315)

1. I had a friend named Campbell.
He used to rob, steal and gamble.
He tried evr'ything that was lowdown.
He was out tomcattin' one night
When he started a big fight,
Then a big policeman came and knocked him down.

CHORUS 1. He's in the jailhouse now.
He's in the jailhouse now.
I told him over again
To quit drinkin' whiskey; lay off o’ that gin.
He's in the jailhouse now.
(Yodel)

2. Campbell broke jail one day,
Decided he'd go away,
But the pólice met him at the train.
The cop says: "I've come for you."
Campbell says that this won't do
"Because Campbell never was my name."

CHORUS 2. He's in the jailhouse now.
He's in the jailhouse now.
Yes, he broke out.
All over town, the fool walked about.
He's in the jailhouse now.
(Yodel)

3. I met his old gal Sadie.
She says: "Have you seen my baby?"
I told her he was downtown in the can.
She went down to the jail
Just to go his bail.
She says: "I've come down here to get my man."

CHORUS 3. She's in the jailhouse now.
She's in the jailhouse now.
So you can understand
Why old kid Sadie's in the can.
She's in the jailhouse now.
(Yodel)


These are the only recordings that Rodgers made of 'In the Jailhouse'. Gene Autry's cover of 'In the Jailhouse Now No 2' follows the Rodgers lyrics with minor changes such as 'sellin' liquor' instead of 'drinkin' whiskey'.

I hope this helps.

--Stewie.

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Note:
Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy says "In the Jailhouse Now No. 2" has a 1930 copyright held by Peer Southern Organization. Lyrics are exactly as Stewie transcribed.
-Joe Offer-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSq8mnDH_1o