Chain me to my misery
Laugh at my tears
Whip me until my back is bloody and raw
For trying to escape my nightmare
That is my day
Sell me if I’m sick
Separate me from my daughters and sons
Humiliate me for your amusement
But you mark my words
You won’t take my hope
Because hope is what keeps me alive
It’s what keeps me picking cotton
Picking until my fingers are bleeding
Because one day I will be free
Free I will be
With my sons and daughters
With my husband and sisters
I will be free
You can never own my hope
Free I will be
And when the Union wins
And this nightmare ends
You will be dead
I will be free
And I will be dancing on your grave
Free at last I will be