It happened in the valley of the old Carolina State:
They marched me to the cotton field, at early break of day,
And worked me there till late sunset, without a cent of pay.
Chorus. They worked me all the day,
Without a bit of pay,
And believed me when I told them
That I would not run away.
Massa gave me a holiday, and said he’d give me more,
I thanked him very kindly, and shoved my boat from shore;
I drifted down the river, my heart was light and free,