It was a warm night, I went for a drink
They came right up to me, they sensed my fear
This could not end well, I had to escape

And to my soul, Shanghai!

Then one he said to me ‘I’ll buy you a drink’
Another lent in and said not to fear
Here starts my journey, a tale of deceit

And to my soul, Shanghai!

Gagged and bound, I made no sound
I’ve set sail for hell, farewell!

My soul belongs to me
Along with all my dreams
You’ll never break me!
Never take me!
These are golden years

I’ll die before I'm free
A slave I am to be
You’ll never break me!
Never take me!
Set me free!

A blow it caught me, I fell to my feet
The men were laughing, they bound and gagged me
And then chucked me on board of their ship

And to my soul, Shanghai!

Gagged and bound, I made no sound
I’ve set sail for hell, farewell!

My soul belongs to me
Along with all my dreams
You’ll never break me!
Never take me!
These are golden years

I’ll die before I'm free
A slave I am to be
You’ll never break me!
Never take me!
Set me free!

And to my soul, Shanghai!