We Will All Be Free Someday (Song of the town drunk) - History

The town drunk sometimes hears things he shouldn't hear. In this case, he hears that a slave has escaped but he knows better. He knows that a certain local plantation owner has been been secretly releasing slaves at a rate of one a year. He has sworn himself to secrecy and nothing will persuade him to reveal who it is. However, under the influence of alcohol, that vow may not be so easy to keep.

I have a secret that I’ll never tell;
Though you torture me and pull my toenails out.
You could break my arms and pull my teeth but I will never yell;
This secret’s safe with me, without a doubt.
(Takes a drink)

Refrain:
We will all be free some day!
We will all be free some day
To reveal what we believe
That our country really needs.
We will all be free some day.
(Takes a drink)

I have a secret I might never tell;
Though you yell at me or fill my mouth with dirt.
You could pull my hair or tie me up but I will never sell
My secret news for any thing on earth.
(Takes another big drink)

(Back to refrain)

(Takes another big drink)

I have a secret that I’d like to keep
Though you call me names and offer me a drink.
If you scolded me and railed at me, then I might see a need;
But until then my lips are sealed, I think.
(Another drink)

(Back to refrain)

(Takes another big drink)

I have a secret I can’t wait to tell
And I’ll tell it all to anyone I meet
When I’m full of wine and alcohol I tend to feel unwell,
And I often tilt and end up off my feet.
(Another drink)

(Back to refrain but passes out before he can finish)