Way back yonder in Tennessee They leased the convicts out Set them workin' in the mine Against free labor stout Free labor rebelled against it To win it took some time But when the lease was in effect It made 'em rise an' shine Buddy won't you roll down the line Buddy won't you roll down the line Yonder come my darlin' Comin' down the line Buddy won't you roll down the line Buddy won't you roll down the line Yonder come my darlin' Comin' down the line Early Monday mornin' They get 'em up on time Send you down the lone rock Jus' to look into that mine Send you down the lone rock Jus' to look into that hole Very next thing the captain says "You better get your coal" Chorus The beans they are half done The bread is not so well The meat it is all burned up And the coffee's black as heck But when you get your task done An' on the floor you fall Anything you get to eat Will taste good done all wrong Chorus The bank boss he's a hard man A man you all know well An' if you don't get your tasks done He's gonna give you hallelujah When you get your tasks done An' on the floor you fall Very next thing the captain says "You better get your coal" Chorus x2