Well I'm branded wherever I go
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name

Spent some time in San Francisco locked up for vagrancy
I busted out a time or two took a run at getting free
They put me back in the jailhouse I finished serving my time
Turned me loose and the man said I'll dog you to the end of the line

Well I'm branded wherever I go
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name

The trouble with the truth it always comes around
Seems to be there waiting for me in every town
Well I'm guilty of the crime of trying to get back home
Don't want to bother nobody just want to be left alone

Well I'm branded wherever I go
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name

Copyright: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Wixen Music Publishing
Writer(s): MARTY STUART