Workin' for Freedom

Student Introduction:

Workin for Freedom was created in 2016 by 4th grade students. This was the year there was a lot of talk about putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. The song is about Tubman as an entrepreneur and the various ways throughout her life she worked to raise money, not just to live but to advance the causes for which she worked.

Workin’ for Freedom Lyrics

Workin’ the logs with my Pa

I cut trees with an axe and saw,

Workin’ for money, I’ll not deny

My freedom I would buy

Saw that Choptank riverside

Sparklin’ water, long and wide

Flowin’ from the North, it’ll be my guide

Movin’ us to get free

Chorus:

Oh, helpin’ my people

Movin’ us to get free

Down in Carolina near Hilton Head

Cookin' food and bakin’ bread

Sellin’ to the soldiers fightin’ in blue

At war with the rebel crew

Helped free women to find a way

Taught ‘em how to work for pay

Washin’ and sewin’ everyday

Back in the Civil War

Chorus:

Oh, helpin’ my people

Back in the Civil War

I did the work that had to be done

My whole life was on the run

Faced my fear and carried on

Workin’ from dusk ‘till dawn

Now my people are safe and free Auburn Friends and family Poor and broke, they needed me

Helpin' em all the time

Chorus:

Oh, helpin’ my people

Helpin’ ‘em all the time

Carin’ for others with money I earned

Sold sweet, creamy butter I churned

Apples ’n pigs ‘n bricks for sale

Nursin’ the old and frail

Friends and family from all around

Brought my people on the Underground

They heard my singin’ soulful sound

Finally here, unbound

Chorus:

Oh, helpin’ my people

Finally here, unbound

(Harmonica Break)

Worked long and hard for many a year

Spirit led me, brought me here

Always walkin’ by my side

Forever did provide.

I raised money to do His will

Fought through danger, I’m livin’ still

Strugglin’ to earn a twenty dollar bill

Ready to step onboard

Chorus: (2x)

Oh, helpin’ my people

Ready to step onboard

Get ready to step onboard