Brothers, sisters, when this world began
There was work to be done
And it seemed that someone
Left it to the colored man

Brothers, sisters, what must be, must be
Though the balance is wrong
Still your faith must be strong
Accept your destiny

Brothers, listen to me…

Someone had to pick the cotton
Someone had to pick the corn
Someone had to slave and be able to sing
That's why darkies were born

Someone had to laugh at trouble
Though he was tired and worn
Had to be contented with any old thing
That's why darkies were born

Sing, sing, sing when you're weary
And sing when you're blue
Sing, sing, that's what you taught
All them white folks to do

Someone had to fight that old Devil
Shout about Gabriel's Horn
Someone had to stoke that old train
That would bring God's children to green pastures
That's why darkies were born