I was born a poor, poor man And all of my life I've had hard working hands But I sang my song as I carried my load 'Cause I had a dream about Rainbow, Rainbow road Then one day my chance came along A man heard me singing and playing these old songs He bought me fine clothes And paid the money I owed Sent me on my way down Rainbow, Rainbow road And then one night, a man with a knife Pushed me 'til I had to take his life Fast as falling all my friends were gone That old judge traded me a sentence for a song Just living with this ball and chain I had to wear a number 'fore they ever heard my name Like the dream I'm growing old But we still sing about Rainbow, Rainbow road Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road.