Got the news from the whispering trees
This is the time when man must be free
No more burn in vain
All we lose we'll have to gain

Get ready, children (3x)

Didn't I build the cabin?
Didn't I plant the corn?
Didn't my people keep holy
Slave to this country?

Get ready, children (3x)

My sermon it was billed for freedom
The good lord said son you're a free man
I'm gonna talk that freedom talk
Let me see you walk that freedom walk
When you get ready, children, please, get ready
Children, get ready, I tell you

Got the news from a whispering tree
This is the time when man must be free
No more burn in vain
All we lose we'll have to gain

Get ready, children (3x)