[Verse 1]
One night as I lay on my pillow
Moonlight as bright as the dawn
I saw a man come a-walkin'
He had a long chain on
I heard his chains a-clankin'
They made a mournful sound
Welded around his body
Draggin' along the ground

[Chorus]
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on

[Verse 2]
He stood beside my window
He looked at me and he said
"I am so tired and hungry
Give me a bite of your bread"
He didn't look like a robber
He didn't look like a thief
His voice was as soft as the moonlight
A face full of sorrow and grief

[Chorus]
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
[Verse 3]
I went into my kitchen
Fetched him a bowl full of meat
A drink and a pan of cold biscuits
That's what I gave him to eat
Though he was tired and hungry
A bright light came over his face
He bowed his head in the moonlight
He said a beautiful grace

[Chorus]
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on

[Verse 4]
I got my hammer and chisel
Offered to set him free
He looked at me and said softly
"I guess we had best let it be"
When he had finished his supper
He thanked me again and again
Though it's been years since I've seen him
Still hear him draggin' his chain

[Chorus]
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on