Well, I lived in a town

Way down south

By the name of Owensboro

And I worked in a mill

With the rest of the “trash” 

As we're often called

As you know 



Well, we rise up early

In the morning

And we work all day real hard

To buy our little meat and bread

Buy sugar, tea, and lard 



Well, our children

Grow up unlearned

With no time to go to school

Almost before they learn to walk

They learn to spin and spoon 



Well, the folks in town

They dress so fine

And spend their money free

But they would hardly look

At a factory hand

Who dresses like you or me 



Would you let them wear

Their watches fine

Let them wear their gems

And pearly strings 



But when that day

Of judgement comes

They'll have to share

Their pretty things