1865 (96º In the Shade)

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot (Oh yes) in the shade

Said it was 96 degrees in the shade

Ten thousand soldiers on parade

Taking I and I to meet a big fat boy

Sent from overseas, the queen employ

Excellency, before you I come

My representation

You know where I'm coming from

You caught me on the loose

Fighting to be free

Now you show me a noose

On the cotton tree

Entertainment for you

Martyrdom for me

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot (Oh yes) in the shade

Some may suffer, and some may burn

But I know that one day, my people will learn

As sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky

Today I stand here a victim, the truth is I'll never die

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot (Oh yes) in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot in the shade

96 degrees in the shade

Real hot (Yes) in the shade