I own I am shocked at the purchase of slaves And fear those who buy them and sell them are knaves What I hear of their hardships, their tortures, and groans It's almost enough to draw pity from stones I pity them greatly, but I must be mum For how could we do without sugar and rum? Especially sugar, so needful we see? What? Give up our desserts, our coffee, and tea?! Besides, if we do, the French, Dutch, and Danes Will heartily thank us, no doubt, for our pains If we do not buy the poor creatures, they will And tortures and groans will be multiplied still I own I am shocked at prisoners in the mines And kids sewing clothes for our most famous lines What I hear of their wages seems slavery indeed It's enough that I fear it's all rooted in greed I pity them greatly, but I must be mum For what about nickel, cobalt, lithium? The garments we wear, the electronics we own? What? Give up our tablets, our laptops, and phones?! Besides, if we do, the prices will soar And who could afford to pay one dollar more? Sitting here typing it seems well worth the price And you there, listening on your favorite device This bargain we're in, well, it's not quite illicit So relax, my friend, we're not all complicit