DGD
I was standin' by the road in Black Jack County.
DCGA
Not knowing that the Sheriff paid a bounty,
DCGA
For men like me who didn't have a penny to their name.
DGDAD
He locked my legs in 35 pounds of Black Jack County Chain.
DGD
All we had to eat was bread and water,
DCGA
Everyday we had to build his road a mile and a quarter,
DCGAA Black Snake Whip would sting our backs if some poor fool complained,
DGDAD
But we couldn't fight back wearing 35 pounds of Black Jack County Chain.
DGD
Then one night while the Sheriff lay a sleepin',
DCGA
We all gathered round him slowly creepin',
DCGA
Heaven help me to forget that night in the cold cold rain
DGDAD
When we beat him to death wearing 35 pounds of Black Jack County Chain
DGD
The wounds have all healed and I am thankful,
DCGA
And there's nothing left but scars around my ankle.
DCGA
But best of all no man will ever be a slave again,
DGDAD
To a Black Snake Whip and 35 pounds of Black Jack County Chain.
DCGA
But best of all no man will ever be a slave again,
This arrangement for the song is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this for private study, scholarship, or research.