Before the beginning you know something already started

Oh in the summer, smoking palace welcoming all the full hearted

The sun will settle down, with blind anticipation

Long that moon will shine it's light on a sordid celebration

Before Cotton Was King

Before sugar was queen

Rivers from the north lands stroll slowly to the sea

Givin' birth to the city lights like it was always meant to be

Ships sail in with foreign hands some who never leave

Every child a woven basket the night is new years eve

When Cotton Was King

When sugar was queen

Float on shady the future is not afraid

Hold on shady cat on the back of time's parade

Float on shady the future is not afraid

Hold on shady cat to the back of time's parade

Same souls have lived this place forever and a hundred years

Every dazzling race so close that color disappears

Tigers circlin' the tree they make butter on our bread

Some will say they'll have their day - some that did have never said

Oh, sugar was queen

Rice is the lady in waiting

Oh, Cotton Was King