D A7
way down yonder in tennesee , they leased the convicts out
D
to work in the coal mines , against free labor south;
A7
free labor rebelled against it . to win it took some time .
D
but while the lease was in effect , they made ’em rise and shine .

chorus :
D
buddy , won’t you roll down the line?
buddy , won’t you roll down the line?
A7
yonder comes my darlin’ , comin down the line .
buddy , won’t you roll down the line?
buddy , won’t you roll down the line?
D
yonder comes my darlin’ , comin 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 . ”

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 .

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 ) ”