There were tears on the mail mother sent me in jail
But I'm free from the chain gang now
Back home I was known and respected then one day I was wrongly suspected
So they put me in chains in a cold freezin' rain but I'm free from the chain gang now
[Guitar ]
All the years I was known by a number how I kept my mind is a wonder
And the bare prison cell that was one step from hell
But I'm free from the chain gang now
I prayed that the gossip will spare me when I return to the one I will marry
Like a bird in a tree I got my liberty and I'm free from the chain gang now