Way back yonder in Tennessee
They leased the convicts out
Set them workin' in the mine
Against free labor stout
Free labor rebelled against it
To win it took some time
But when the lease was in effect
It made 'em rise an' shine

Buddy won't you roll down the line
Buddy won't you roll down the line
Yonder come my darlin'
Comin' down the line
Buddy won't you roll down the line
Buddy won't you roll down the line
Yonder come my darlin'
Comin' down the line

Early Monday mornin'
They get 'em up on time
Send you down the lone rock
Jus' to look into that mine
Send you down the lone rock
Jus' to look into that hole
Very next thing the captain says
"You better get your coal"
Chorus

The beans they are half done
The bread is not so well
The meat it is all burned up
And the coffee's black as heck
But when you get your task done
An' on the floor you fall
Anything you get to eat
Will taste good done all wrong

Chorus

The bank boss he's a hard man
A man you all know well
An' if you don't get your tasks done
He's gonna give you hallelujah
When you get your tasks done
An' on the floor you fall
Very next thing the captain says
"You better get your coal"

Chorus x2