Work Song

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

Breaking rocks and serving my time

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

'Cause I've been convicted of a crime

Hold it, steady right there, let me hit it

Well, I reckon that oughta get it

I've been working, I've been working

But I've still got so terribly far to go

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

Breaking rocks and serving my time

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

'Cause I've been convicted of a crime

Hold it, steady right there, while I hit it

Well, I reckon that oughta get it

I've been working, I've been working

But I've still got so terribly far to go

I committed a crime, but I need it

The crime of being hungry and poor

Left the grocery store man bleeding

When they got fear of coming to the store

Hold it, steady right there, while I hit it

Well, I reckon that oughta get it

I've been working, I've been working

But I've still got so terribly far to go

Heard a judge say, "Five years

On the chain gang you're gonna go"

Heard a judge say, "Five years of labor"

Heard my old man scream, "Lord, no!"

Hold it, steady right there, let me hit it

Well, I reckon that oughta get it

I've been working, I've been working

But I've still got so terribly far to go

I've been working and slaving

But I've still got so terribly far to go

Gonna see my sweet honey baby

Gonna break this chain, gotta run

Gonna lay down somewhere shady

Lord, it sure is hot in the sun

Hold it, steady right there, let me hit it

Well, I reckon that oughta get it

I've been working, I've been working

But I've still got so terribly far to go

I've been working and slaving

But I've still got so terribly far to go

Far to go

So terribly