The first day I stand foot In this fair country Boarder man took my paper Told me I would be free Boarder man took my paper Told me I was now free Walking out into the open air Well what did I see Birds flying on a westwind Sure an omen for me Opened up my mama's suitcase Saw the holes in my shoes Kicked off my old home soil Knowing I couldn't lose I kicked off that dried up soil Knowing I couldn't lose With my hands down on three jobs From the morning through the night Weary eyes don't see the difference 'Tween the dark and the light Weary eyes don't see the difference 'Tween the dark and the light 10 years later Papa wrote me Saying Mama had died Wish that I could see her face now And the hope in her eyes Wish that I could see her face now And the hope in her eyes I'm just old now, all alone In a land of fertile life I see my unborn born babies Tired birds in the sky I see my unborn born babies Tired birds in the sky Before I die grant me one thing Grant one thing to me Don't let me dream of nectar Make me fruit on the tree