Ain’t robbed no train, ain’t done no hangin’ crime. (x 2)
It's that I'm a slave to the blues, grievin’ 'bout that man of mine.

Blues, please tell me, do I have to die a slave? (x 2)
Do you hear me pleadin’, you’re gonna send me to my grave.

If I could break these chains an’ let my worried heart go free. (x 2)
But it’s too late now, the blues have made a slave of me. (2)

You see me ravin', you hear me cryin'
Oh Lord, this wounded heart of mine

Folks I'm a‑grievin' from my head to my shoes
I'm a good‑hearted woman, but still I'm chained to the blues