I was brought here in chains
You call America the land of the free?
Rows of cotton and pain are all I see

Yet I shadowed my shame as I stood on the dock
You call America the land of the free?
I was sold like livestock

I was hopeful as I stood on her shores
You call America the land of the free?
What was once mine is now yours

Long laborious hours with no pay
You call America the land of the free?
The sun singeing my back from day to day

I was whipped and beaten ‘till I could stand it no longer
You call America the land of the free?
I had no voice because you were stronger

Welts and scars infest my legs
You call America the land of the free?
The once sweet soul now bows down and begs

She has swallowed my pride, not a trace left behind
Though it is not her fault, traitors control her mind

You call America the land of the free?
A free man is who I want to be