HE HAD A LONG CHAIN ON
(Jimmie Driftwood)

Jimmie Driftwood - 1960
Odetta - 1962
Peter, Paul & Mary - 1963
Maxine Sellers - 1964
Tim O'Brien & The Boys - 1993
Sherwin & Pam Linton - 1996
Robert Earl Keen - 2005



One night as I lay on my pillow
Moonlight as bright as the dawn
I saw a man come walkin'
He had a long chain on
I heard his chains a-clankin'
They made a mournful sound
Welded around his body
Draggin' along on the ground

He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on

He came and stood by my window
He looked at me and he said
I am so tired and hungry
Give me a bite of your bread
He didn't look like a robber
He didn't look like a thief
His voice was as soft as the moonlight
A face full of sorrow and grief

He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on

I went into my kitchen
Fetched him a bowl full of meat
A drink and a pan of cold biscuits
That's what I gave him to eat
Though he was tired and hungry
A bright light came over his face
He bowed his head in the moonlight
He said a beautiful grace

He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on

I got my hammer and chisel
Offered to set him free
He shook his head and said softly
I guess we had best let it be
When he'd finished his supper
He thanked me again and again
Though it's been years since I've seen him
Still hear him draggin' that chain

He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on
He had a long chain on


**TRIVIA
Peter, Paul & Mary recorded this song as "Long Chain On".
Maxine Sellers and Robert Earl Keen recorded it as "Long Chain".