Just take these chains away,
And set me free.
Remove me out of bondage,
And we'll agree.
Too long I've been a slave,
I don't want to be no more.
I'd rather dig my grave,
Than be locked behind a door.

I want to help myself,
Be an independent man.
I don't want no one to give,
Me a helping hand.
Whether you are black,
Whether you are white,
I don't give a damn,
I just want to be alright.

Just take these chains away,
And set me free.
Remove me out of bondage,
And we'll agree.
Too long I've been a slave,
I don't want to be no more.
I'd rather dig my grave,
Than be locked behind a door.

I want to help myself,
Be an independent man.
I don't want no one to give,
Me a helping hand.
Whether you are black,
Whether you are white,
I don't give a damn,
I just want to be alright.

Oh, won't you set me, set me free?
Please, unchain me, take these chains away,
Why won't you set me free?
Please, just take these chains away and set me free..