I got rid of the shackles that bound me and the guards that were always around me 
There were tears on the mail mother sent me in jail 
But I'm free from the chain gang now 
Back home I was known and respected then one day I was wrongly suspected 
So they put me in chains in a cold freezin' rain but I'm free from the chain gang now 

All the years I was known by a number how I kept my mind is a wonder 
And the bare prison cell that was one step from hell 
But I'm free from the chain gang now 
I prayed that the gossip will spare me when I return to the one I will marry 
Like a bird in a tree I got my liberty and I'm free from the chain gang now