Been a slave most all my life
So's my kids, and so's my wife
I've been working on the Colonel's farm 
Ain't been mistreated, ain't done no harm 
I'll be a  slave to my grave
No need of me being free

Recollect when I was just fourteen
Freedom used to be my biggest dream
I'm older now, lot wiser too
If I was free what would I do
The Colonel's been right good to me
He's taken care of my family

The Colonel rode the buggy in from town 
Hitched the horse and called us all around 
Said he couldn't keep us here no more
I saw a tear as he walked toward the door 
Oh Dear God, what did he say?
Now I am free to go my way