Shackles and Chains (B. Spagnardi)

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 this factory town
To offer a ring and a white wedding gown

She tilled the grounds of a textile 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

Wilted and crushed, collapsing to pray
Iris cried don't let them take me away
Confessed to the sheriff, confined in his tower
Forfeit this life for my Tennessee flower