[Verse 1]
Ain't robbed no train, ain't done no hangin' crime
Ain't robbed no train, ain't done no hangin' crime
Just been a slave to the blues, grievin' 'bout that man of mine

[Verse 2]
Blues, please tell me, do I have to die a slave?
Blues, please tell me, do I have to die a slave?
Do you hear me pleadin', you're going to take me to my grave

[Verse 3]
If I could break these chains and let my worried heart go free
If I could break these chains and let my worried heart go free
But it's too late now, the blues have made a slave of me

[Verse 4]
You see me ravin', you hear me cryin'
Oh Lord, this wounded heart of mine
Folks, I'm all grievin' from my hat to my shoes
I'm a good-hearted woman, just been a slave to the blues