Don't you give up my young young friend Here's a story I think will please How sir Rastus Bear was in fact redeemed Redeemed from the cell to which he'd been thrown By men whose love was more for the ice and cold Goblins of surcease, villains of wise They pranced your brain all through the long long night Sir Rastus Bear who'd ever believe You'd be by a song redeemed? Up on the north forty, I'm sure it was christmas day When sir Rastus Bear taught children how to play Games of life and love, and songs, oh, those songs Oh those deep but true, healed (?) country songs Goblins of surcease, villains of wise They pranced your brain all through the long long night Sir Rastus Bear who'd ever believe You'd be by a song redeemed? Redeemed, good lord, from the ice and cold Redeemed from the cell to which I've been thrown Redeemed by virtue, of a country song And I believe that lord, It won't be long