I was born a poor, poor man All my life I had hardworkin' hands But I sang a song as I carried my load 'Cuz I had a dream about Rainbow 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 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 n' chain Had to wear a number for they never call my name Like a dream, I'm growin' old But we still sing about Rainbow MetroLyrics