I saw a man come a-walkin' - he had a long chain on.
I heard his chains a-clankin', they made a mournful sound-
Welded around his body, draggin' along the ground

Chorus
He had a long chain on (3x)

He stood beside my window, he looked at me and he said,
"I am so tired and hungry, give me a bite of your bread."
He didn't look like a robber, he didn't look like a thief.
His voice was as soft as the moonlight - a voice full of sorrow and
grief.

Chorus

I went into the kitchen and fetched him a bowl full of meat,
A drink and a pan of cold bisquits, that's what I gave him to eat.
Though he was tired and hungry, a bright light came over his face.
He bowed his head in the moonlight. He said a beautiful Grace.

Chorus

I got my hammer and chisel, offered to set him free
He looked at me and said softly, "I think we had best let it be."
When he had finished his supper, he thanked me again and again.
Though it's been years since I've seen him, still hear him draggin' his
chain

Chorus