96 degrees
in the shade
real hot 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 [bad word] with my representation
you know where [bad word] from

you caught me on the loose
fighting to be free
now you show me a noose
on the cotton tree
entertainment for you
martyrddom for me

96 degrees in the shade
real hot 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 [bad word] is i'll never die

96 degrees in the shade
real hot in the shade