I was workin real hard in a gravel yard When I came across a silver coin You know it wasn't that much but I tried my luck because I'd had Enough of being employed Mama mama don't worry long for me I"m a man and I must find my way Mama mama can you tell Sue for me If I stayed here I'd die in a working man's grave Well I was dead flat broke and that wasn"t no joke 'Cause I was swimming in a pile of debt But I have to admit that when I up and quit I pulled an iron shackle from my neck Well it's been some years and I've grown a beard And I've taken to the life I lead When I think of the past the thinkin' doesn't last I have everything I ever need When I turned to leave I heard the pit boss scream "Son you know you'll never return" Well I didn"t say a word I just flipped him the bird And that's the last of me that he saw