Shackles and Chains

W. Spagnardi © 2009

Shackles and chains, shackles and chains Cold, dark walls bloom my love in vain I’m in the pound, he’s in the ground My heart is bound by shackles and chains I fell for Iris my Tennessee queen Most beautiful flower the world’s ever seen Twelve hours a day in that factory town To offer a ring and a white wedding gown Chorus She tilled the grounds of a railroad tycoon Who deflowered my Iris ‘neath a foul Memphis moon His stout, virile body fell limp in distress As she planted the shears from her torn garden dress Chorus Wilted and crushed, collapsing to pray Iris cried, “Don’t let ‘em take me away!” Confessed to the sheriff, confined in his tower Forfeit this life for my Tennessee flower Chorus

Return