I was workin real hard in a gravel yard

when I came across a silver coin

you know it wasn't that much but I tried my luck because I'd had enough of being employed



Mama mama don't worry long for me

I''m a man and I must find my way

mama mama can you tell Sue for me 

If I stayed here I'd die in a working man's grave



Well I was dead flat broke and that wasn''t no joke

'cause I was swimming in a pile of debt

but I have to admit that when I up and quit

I pulled an iron shackle from my neck



Well it's been some years and I've grown a beard 

and I've taken to the life I lead

When I think of the past the thinkin' doesn't last

I have everything I ever need



When I turned to leave I heard the pit boss scream

"Son you know you'll never return"

Well I didn''t say a word I just flipped him the bird

and that's the last of me that he saw