1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade)

said it was 96 degrees in the shade

ten thousand soldiers on parade

taking i and i to meet a big fat boy

sent from overseas

the queen employ

excellency before you i come

with my representation

you know where i'm coming from

you caught me on the loose

fighting to be free

now you show me a noose

on the cotton tree

entertainment for you

martyrdom for me

96 degrees in the shade

real hot in the shade

some may suffer and some may burn

but i know that one day my people will learn

as sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky

today i stand here a victim the truth is I'll never die

96 degrees in the shade

real hot in the shade