I was born a poor, poor man All my life I had hard workin' hands But I sang a song as I carried my load Cause I had a dream about Rainbow, Rainbow Road Then one day my chance came along Man heard me singin' and playin' these old songs He bought me fine clothes, paid the money I owed Started me on my way down Rainbow, Rainbow Road Then one night a man with a knife Pushed me till I had to take his life Fast as fallin' all my friends were gone That old judge traded me a sentence for a song Just livin' with this ball and chain Had to wear a number but they never called my name Like a dream I'm growin' old But we still sing about Rainbow, Rainbow Road Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road Rainbow Road, Rainbow Road