Way back yonder in Tennessee, they leased the convicts out
They worked 'em in the coal mines against free labor stout
Free labor rebelled against it, to win it took some time
But while the lease was in effect, they made 'em rise and shine

Oh, 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 thе line

Every Monday morning they'vе got 'em out on time
March 'em down to Lone Rock, said to look into that mine
March you down to Lone Rock, said to look into that hole
Very last word the captain say, "You better get your coal"

Oh, 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

The beans they are half done, the bread is not so well
The meat it is as burnt up and the coffee's black as heck
But when you get your task done, you'll gladly come to call
Anything you'd get to eat it taste good, done or raw
Oh, 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

The bank boss is a hard man, a man you all know well
And if you don't get your task done, he's gonna give you hallelujah
Carry you to the stockade, and it's on the floor you'll fall
Very next time they call on you, you bet you'll have your coal

Oh, 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