Here's a response from the family's point of view. Taken from the Max Hunter Collection. See the Hunter collection for "99 Years" also.

ANSWER TO TWENTY-ONE YEARS

She wrote him this letter that's covered with tears,
And it is her answer to Twenty-One Years:
Six months have gone by, love, the good doctor said.
For six weary months, love, I been sick in bed.

They tell me you're bitter because I don't write,
But a brain that is fevered is as dark as the night.
So, you understand why, dear, I didn't write you,
But the Lord up in heaven knows what I've gone through.

The judge said, "Stand up, lad, and dry up your tears."
He sent you to Nashville for twenty-one years.
While we stood embracing, they pulled us apart,
But they'll never tear you from out of my heart.

They shackled your arms, love. They shackled your feet,
But they'll never shackle a love which is sweet.
The angels all know well you'll always be mine.
Though I'll still be waiting, though it's a long time.

I went to the governor, got down on my knees,
Said, "O Mr. Governor, won't you hear me, please?"
I begged for your pardon through my blinding tears,
But the answer he gave me was twenty-one years.

Although you're in prison behind those iron bars,
When I get my strength back, I'll come where you are.
I'll stand by those high walls and cry through my tears,
But I'll wait for your love, dear, for twenty-one years.

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 24-Oct-02.