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 you done convicted me of crime

Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But, I still got so terribly far to go

I committed crime, Lord, I need you
Crime of being hungry and poor
I left the grocery store man breathin'
When they caught me robbing his store

I hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But, I still got so terribly far to go

I heard the judge say, "Five years
On chain-gang you gonna go"
I heard the judge say, "Five years labor"
I heard my old man scream, "Lordy, no"

Hold it right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But, I still got so terribly far to go

Gonna see my sweet honey baby
Gonna break this chain off to run
I'm gonna lay down somewhere shady
Lord, I sure I'm hot in the sun

Hold it right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
Been working and a-slaving
And working and working
But, I still got so terribly far to go