Rita's Only Fault

She handled herself well
For being handled by two guards
She still looked like a prom queen
In the back of the sheriff’s car
The crowd lined up from the court house
To the jailhouse down the street
How could they talk so bad
About a girl who was so sweet
Rita’s heart turned to ice on a hot night in July
She did what she had to do
They don’t believe the reasons why
How he used her for a doormat
When he was sober enough to walk
As far as I’m concerned
He was Rita’s only fault
You know I’ve always loved her
And one time she loved me too
That first love never let me go
The way that others do
She left me for the quarterback
I knew him back in school
He had a shiny car and a fast smile
But I always knew he was a fool
Now I go to see her Sundays
I see the tears in her eyes
And I see the same sweet smile
That hell can’t disguise
If I’d have only known
I’d have done him in myself
I’d gladly take her place
In that cold grey cell