Long Chain

One night as I lay on my pillow Moon shining bright as the dawn I saw a man come-a-walkin' He had a long chain on I heard his chain a clankin' It made a mournful sound Welded around his body Dragging along on the ground He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He came up to my window He looked at me and he said "I am so tired and hungry Give me a bite of your bread" He did not look like a robber He didn't look like a thief His face was all covered in sadness He had a voice full of sorrow and grief He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on I went into my kitchen Got him a bowl full of meat A drink and a pan of cold biscuits That's all I had for him to eat And though he was tired and hungry A bright light came over his face He bowed his head on his bosom He made a beautiful grace He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on (Long chain, long chain, long chain) (He had a long chain on) (Long chain, long chain, long chain) (He had a long chain on) I fetched my chisel and hammer Offered to set him free He shook his head and said sadly Guess we had best let it be When he had finished his supper He thanked me again and again And though it's been years since I saw him I still hear the rattle of his chain He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on He had a long chain on --- Long Chain - Robert Earl Keen, Jr.