don't cry my baby

don't cry all the while

don't cry my baby

just give me a smile

seen my daddy die in the war

seen my mamma die cryin' for

Ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

a-ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

they call me a hounddog

they call me a swine

it's all because of my color

for their war though I'm fine

Ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

a-ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

Dee dum dee dum

they're talkin' 'bout freedom

of religion and race

but if you're a negro

they slap you in the face

Ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

a-ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

so what's the use fightin' for

that sacred democracy

when Ku Klux Klan murd'rers

are going scot-free

Ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

a-ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

But I'm still happy

so don't cry, my babe

together we'll strife for

bein' free people some day

Ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

a-ring-a a-ring-a

but I've got to sing

dum dah dah dee yay-ay

dee dum dah dah dee day

dee dum dah dah dee day-ay

dee dum dah dah dee yay