Lyrics The Prisoner - David McWilliams

The Prisoner

I am a poor prisoner arrested and tried
For a crime I committed and the law I defied
In hunger I stole some lord’s bread and wine
Was sat on his table that his household might dine
I was held by his bondsman as I left by the gate
Sayin' «Stand or I shoot on your head your own fate
You have robbed of my master his wine and his bread
And the fruit of your folly be on your own head»
«I was hungry» I cried «and what harm did I do
For your master has more than he ever will use?
And I have no money like he has to hand
Condemned by the law they have stolen my land»
He listened in silence but he paid me no heed
And no point in my pleading would he ever concede
So before judge and jury to pay for my crime
And to hope in their wisdom some pity they’d find
The judge found me guilty in all points of law
And vile implications from my case did draw
He called me a rebel, and then did conclude
He sentenced me seven long years servitude
And now I’m a prisoner though I know not why
In royal detention 'til the queen’s peace I buy
But no more I’ll be told, I’m unbonded and free
And when I am discharged a rebel I’ll be