Ma named me Charles Cane Wilson in ‘93
Pa lies deep in the shaft of number 19
She works the days long and into the night
and I tend a Sumac fort on the hillside
I let my dreams take me to the past
Where I can be wild and strong and fast

My name is Charlie
I’m a pirate of the Shawnee
We’ve been here forever,
and ever shall be
My name is Charlie
We’re the pirates of the Shawnee

I hold in my hand the sword from a man
Who is a river pirate just like me
I spotted it gleaming so powerful seeming
This bank of sand at his command
I watched down below upon the Ohio
If he returns I’ll join his fearless band

I dreamt they would come for me
To Cave-in-Rock we’d ferry
And I would bring home riches
From the pirates of the Shawnee

One night I awoke as though in a dream
To Captain Mason standing before me
Into the dark flew my Captain and me
Where soon I’d learn my savior he’d not be

Crimson daggers waving Innocents are wailing
Darkest fears, death drawing near

My name is Charlie
I’m a captive
I’m a poor boy
They’ve been here forever, and ever shall be
My name is Charlie
I’m with the pirates of the Shawnee

In the pirates’ den I lay in ties
No riches did I find
My vision of salvation was only in my mind
By dawn’s light a torturous path
Atop the cave pirate’s wrath
I close my eyes to the wind and the water

My name is Charlie
It’s the eve of my ninth birthday
Ma waits for me at home in Rosiclare
My name is Charlie
And the current will take me there