Way down yonder in Tennesee, they leased the convicts out
To work in the coal mines, against free labor South
Free labor rebelled against it. To win it took some time
But while the lease was in effect, they made 'em rise and shine

Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line

Early Monday morning they get you up on time
Send you down to Lone Rock, just to look into that mine
Send you down to Lone Rock, just to look into that hole
Very next thing the captain says "You better get your pole."

Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line

The beans they are half done, the bread is not so well
The meat it is all burnt up and the coffee's black as heck
But when you get your task done and it's on the floor you fall
Anything you get to eat it'd  taste good, done or raw

Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line

The bank boss he's a hard man, a man you all know well
And if you don't get your task done, he's gonna give you hallelujah!
Carry you to the stockade, and it's on the floor you fall
Very next word you hear "You better get your pole (or coal)

Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line

Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Buddy, won't you roll down the line?
Yonder comes my darlin', coming down the line