96 degrees in the shade Real hot in the shade 96 degrees in the shade Real hot, ooh yes, 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, unh yes, in the shade 96 degrees in the shade Real hot, ooh yeah yes, 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 96 degrees in the shade Real hot, ooh yes, in the shade 96 degrees in the shade Real hot, I say, in the shade 96 degrees in the shade Real hot in the shade (hot in the shade now) 96 degrees in the shade Real hot, ooh yes, in the shade 96 degrees...