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 Cuz I had a dream about rainbow, rainbow road Then one day my chance came along A man heard me singin' and playing 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 wiht 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 that ball 'n chain Had to wear a number 'for they'd ever call my name Like a dream I'm growing old But we still sing about rainbow, rainbow read