Been a slave most all my life So's my kids, and so's my wife I've been working on the Colonel's farm Ain't been mistreated, ain't done no harm I'll be a slave to my grave No need of me being free Recollect when I was just fourteen Freedom used to be my biggest dream I'm older now, lot wiser too If I was free what would I do The Colonel's been right good to me He's taken care of my family The Colonel rode the buggy in from town Hitched the horse and called us all around Said he couldn't keep us here no more I saw a tear as he walked toward the door Oh Dear God, what did he say? Now I am free to go my way