He was black and handsome

And mighty mighty brave

Comin' from the backwoods

The grandson of a slave

He was caught for something

They knew he'd never done

And he was diggin' ditches

Out in the burnin' sun



Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

No more, no more, no more



Man he was a giant

And iron he could bend

And he swore he'd fight them

Down to the bitter end

Though he was no talker

His burnin' eyes would say

You may keep on tryin'

Can't hold me no way



Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

No more, no more, no more



And one night he lay in waiting

Hit the guard and took the key

And before the others caught him

He jumped out and he was free

He jumped out and he was free



He made for the swamp lands

It seemed a hopeless duel

They had dogs and shotguns

And they were mighty cruel

But they couldn't find him

He was too smart and strong

Hiding' in the daytime

Wandering all night long



Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more

Working on the chain gang-no more




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