I'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I amBut they won't let my secret go untoldI paid the debt I owed them, but they're still not satisfiedNow I'm a branded man out in the coldWhen they let me out of prison, I held my head up highDetermined I would riseAbove the shameBut no matter where I travel, the black mark follows meI'm branded with a number on my nameI'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I amBut they won't let my secret go untoldThey won't let my secret go untoldI paid the debt I owedBut they're still not satisfiedNow I'm a branded manNot in the coldIf I live to be a hundredI guess they'll never clear my nameCause everybody knows I've been in jailNo matter where I'm livingI got to tell them where I've beenOr they'll send me back to prisonIf I failI'd like to hold my head upBe proud of who I amBut they won't let my secret go untoldI paid the debt I owed themBut they're still not satisfiedNow I'm a branded manNot in the coldNow I'm a branded manNot in the cold