"When I was a lad I had many things."

"I had those same things,

Embezzled strong and true.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"I treasured the olive branch,

The dove, red, white, and blue.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"I had a home, a crafted wooden bough.

They came and pillaged, cutting right through.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"I had a relationship as honest as ever.

The ghost still lurks as if trying to renew.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"Those things are the dreams

That will never come true.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"We all had things, and liked them too.

Giving up those things is the safe thing to do.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"When I was a lad I had many things."

"Thinking of the past can only kill.

Focus on the cotton and keep the boss shooed.

We slave for them, as your hopes slave for you."

"You will soon see my ghost,

As I dream too much to stay."

"Bye my friend, so long indeed.

I guess your hopes will soon be free."

"I'd rather die than slave for them.

They took my things and killed my kin."

"Bye my friend, so long indeed.

I guess your hopes are now set free."