Back home the family's eatin' dinner there's a fire in the fireside warm and bright
But I won't be there today cause I've got a debt to pay
And they don't let black sheep stray from the road
No they don't let black sheep stray from the road
My throat is out crying for water Lord that wind is blowing cold
That guard is watching me like a hawk up in the tree
And I'm longing to be free from the road yes I'm longing to be free from the road
Every bone inside my body's aching and that guard don't care if I live or die
He told me yesterday son don't try to get away
For I'll lay you down to stay by the road yes I'll lay you down to stay by the road