Down, down, down so long
Yes, I've been down so long
Getting up never crossed my mind
I've been down so long
Getting up never crossed my mind

I've a-been pushed
And I've a-been shoved
I've been everything but loved

I've been down so long
Getting up never crossed my mind
I've been down so long
That the tears roll up my cheek

My sense of right is wrong
And my sense of strong is weak
Ever since you went away
My life has been one hell to pay

And I've been down so long
Yes, getting up never crossed my mind
Tell me if you know what I mean, children

Getting up never crossed my mind
Ooh, sing it with some soul now
Getting up never crossed my mind
Tell me what never crossed your mind
Getting up never crossed my mind