I was fresh out of the service, and it was back in 82
And I raised some cane when I come back to town
I left to be all I could be and come home without a clue
I married Dawn and had to settle down
So I hired on at the prison, guess I always knew I would
Just like my dad and both my uncles done
I've worked on every cell block now and things are going good
But then they transferred me to L.S. Union 1
Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me home
Well, my daddy used to talk about them long nights at the walls
And how they used to strap on in the chair
The kids down from the college, and they'd bring their beer and all
And when the lights went out, a cheer rose in the air
Well, folks just got too civilized to spark his gathering dust
Cause no one wants to touch his smoking gun
And since they got the injection, they don't mind as much I guess
They just put them down at L.S. Union 1
Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me home
Well, I've seen them fight like lions, boys, I've seen them go like lambs
And I've helped to drag them when they could not stand
And I've heard their mamas crying when they heard that big door slam
And I've seen the victim's family holding hands
Last night I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chest
And something cold and black pumped through my lungs
And even Jesus couldn't save me, though I know he did his best
But he don't live on L.S. Union 1
Swing low, swing low, swing low and carry me home
Swing low, don't let go, swing low and carry me home