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 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 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