Down, down, down so long …
Yes … I've been down so long
Gettin' up never crossed my mind
I've been down so long
Gettin' up never crossed my mind.

I've a-been pushed
And I've a-been shoved
I've been everything but loved.

I've been down so long
Gettin' up never crossed my mind
I've been down so long
That the tears roll up my cheek.

My sense of right is wrong
And my sense of strong is weak
Ever since you went away
My life has been one hell to pay.

And I've been down so long
Yes … gettin' up never crossed my mind
Tell me if you know what I mean, children?
Gettin' up never crossed my mind …
Oooh … sing it with some soul now
Gettin' up never crossed my mind …
Tell me what never crossed your mind?
Gettin' up never crossed my mind …