[1st Verse]
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 I come
With my representation
You know where I'm coming from

You caught me on the loose
Fighting to be free
Now you show me a noose
On the cotton tree
Entertainment for you
Martyrdom for me

[Chorus] (x2)
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 truth is I'll never die
96 degrees in the shade
Real hot in the shade