I've got rid of the shackles that bound me
And the guards who were always around me
Like a bird in the tree
I've found my liberty
And I'm free from the chain gang now

Long ago I was known and respected
Then one day I was falsely suspected
And they put me in chains
Working out in the rains
But I'm free from the chain gang now

I know my mother's poor heart was broken
'Cause she knew that an untruth was spoken
There were tears on the mail
That she sent me in jail
But I'm free from the chain gang now

All the years I was known by a number
Were just years that I spent without slumber
After long years of shame
I have won back my name
And I'm free from the chain gang now

Now I'm going back home to another
She's my sweetheart who's waiting with mother
And I'll dry all the tears
That's been shedding for years
'Cause I'm free from the chain gang now