I was fresh out of the service, and it was back in 82And I raised some cane when I come back to townI left to be all I could be and come home without a clueI married Dawn and had to settle downSo I hired on at the prison, guess I always knew I wouldJust like my dad and both my uncles doneI've worked on every cell block now and things are going goodBut then they transferred me to L.S. Union 1Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me homeWell, my daddy used to talk about them long nights at the wallsAnd how they used to strap on in the chairThe kids down from the college, and they'd bring their beer and allAnd when the lights went out, a cheer rose in the airWell, folks just got too civilized to spark his gathering dustCause no one wants to touch his smoking gunAnd since they got the injection, they don't mind as much I guessThey just put them down at L.S. Union 1Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me homeWell, I've seen them fight like lions, boys, I've seen them go like lambsAnd I've helped to drag them when they could not standAnd I've heard their mamas crying when they heard that big door slamAnd I've seen the victim's family holding handsLast night I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chestAnd something cold and black pumped through my lungsAnd even Jesus couldn't save me, though I know he did his bestBut he don't live on L.S. Union 1Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me homeSwing low, don't let go, swing low and carry me home