I was born a poor poor man

All my life I had hard workin' hands

But I sang a song as I carried my load

Cuz I had a dream about rainbow, rainbow road



Then one day my chance came along

A man heard me singin' and playing these old songs

He bought me fine clothes, paid the money I owed

Started me on my way down rainbow, rainbow road



Then one night a man wiht a knife

Pushed me till I had to take his life

Fast as fallin' all my friends were gone

That old judge traded me a sentence for a song



Just livin' with that ball 'n chain

Had to wear a number 'for they'd ever call my name

Like a dream I'm growing old

But we still sing about rainbow, rainbow read