Spoken Introduction: He Had A Long Chain On - Odetta

He Had a Long Chain On

He Had a Long Chain On

He Had a Long Chain On

One night as I lay on my pillow

Moonlight as bright as the dawn

I saw a man come walkin'

He had a long chain on

I heard his chains a-clankin'

They made a mournful sound

Welded around his body

Draggin' along on the ground

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He came and stood by my window

He looked at me and he said

I am so tired and hungry

Give me a bite of your bread

He didn't look like a robber

He didn't look like a thief

His voice was as soft as the moonlight

A face full of sorrow and grief

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

I went into my kitchen

Fetched him a bowl full of meat

A drink and a pan of cold biscuits

That's what I gave him to eat

Though he was tired and hungry

A bright light came over his face

He bowed his head in the moonlight

He said a beautiful grace

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

I got my hammer and chisel

Offered to set him free

He looked at me and said softly

I guess we had best let it be

When he'd finished his supper

He thanked me again and again

Though it's been years since I've saw him

Still hear him draggin' that chain

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on

He had a long chain on