Big Boss Man
Big Boss Man Lyrics


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Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Can't you hear me when I call?
Well you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all, All right

Well you got me workin' boss man
Workin' round the clock
I wanna little drink of water
But you won't let big Al stop

Big boss man now can't you hear me when I call? All right
I said you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all
Big boss man, why can't you hear me when I call? All right
You know you ain't so big, I said you're just tall that's all, All right

I'm gonna get me a boss man
One who's gonna treat me right
I work hard in the day time
Rest easy at night

Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call? Can't you hear me when I
call?
I said you ain't so big, you're just tall that's all
I'm gonna get me a boss man

One that's gonna treat me right
I work hard in the evenin'
Rest easy at night
Big boss man, big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?

I said you ain't so big, you're just tall that's all




All right, big boss man
It's all right

Overall Meaning

The song “Big Boss Man” by Jimmy Reed, also known as “Boss Man Blues,” is a blues classic that was released in 1961. The song is about an employee who is unhappy with his boss, who is referred to as the “big boss man.” The employee wants to be heard by his boss and lets him know that he is not as big as he thinks he is. The lyrics “Big boss man, can’t you hear me when I call?” are repeated throughout the song and emphasize the disconnect between the employee and the boss. The employee works hard for the boss, but still feels underappreciated, as seen in the lines “Well you got me workin’ boss man, workin’ round the clock, I wanna little drink of water but you won’t let big Al stop.”


Despite the theme of dissatisfaction in the relationship between the boss and employee, the song maintains a catchy beat and upbeat rhythm. Interestingly, the song’s repetitive structure and hooks have made it a popular cover song, with versions recorded by many artists such as Elvis Presley, Grateful Dead, and B.B. King. The song’s influence on rock and roll music is evident, as it has been covered by so many prominent musicians. The lyrics of the song have also made an appearance in popular culture, being referenced in movies and TV shows such as the sitcom Roseanne and the film Blues Brothers 2000.


Line by Line Meaning

Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
The singer is questioning why their boss is not responding or listening to their requests.


Can't you hear me when I call?
The singer is repeating their earlier question, expressing frustration and annoyance.


Well you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all, All right
The singer is mocking their boss, claiming that while they may be physically imposing, they are not actually powerful or intimidating.


Well you got me workin' boss man
The artist is acknowledging that they are under the authority of their boss and have been given work to do.


Workin' round the clock
The artist indicates that they are working continuously without breaks or rest periods.


I wanna little drink of water
The singer is expressing their basic need for hydration.


But you won't let big Al stop
The singer's boss is preventing them from taking a short break to get a drink of water.


Big boss man, why can't you hear me when I call? All right
The artist is expressing further frustration that their boss is not responding to their requests or addressing their concerns.


You know you ain't so big, I said you're just tall that's all, All right
The artist reiterates that their boss's stature does not equate to true authority or respect.


I'm gonna get me a boss man
The artist is declaring that they will seek out a new, more responsive boss.


One who's gonna treat me right
The singer is hoping to find a boss who will treat them with fairness and respect, unlike their current boss.


I work hard in the day time
The artist acknowledges that they are a diligent worker during business hours.


Rest easy at night
The singer is expressing the desire to have peace of mind and relaxation after a long day of work.


Big boss man, big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
The singer is repeating their original query, as well as their dissatisfaction with their current boss's lack of responsiveness.


All right, big boss man
The singer is concluding their song with a sarcastic, dismissive tone towards their boss.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dixon Luther, Al Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@andrewcutts3197

I met Jimmy and the rest of the artists during the 1968 American Folk Blues Festival, when they visited the De Montfort Hall in Leicester during the U.K. leg of the tour. I was invited up to the dressing room to meet everyone by John Lee Hooker after a chance meeting in the bar. They all signed my programme, and made a young blues fan the happiest person on Earth. Bless you John, and everyone else who used to come over.

@patriciavega1563

This song reminds me of my big brother. Lost him in April of 2023. I listen to this song and I can see him snapping his fingers and and singing! Love you Danny and ull always be in my heart !

@sheeshee5210

This is my uncles favorite song! He loved blues “real blues” as he would always say. I miss him so much and whenever I hear this I think of him dancing and playing the harmonica! Rest In Peace Unk D.D.L 🥰

@RetroJenny

I love this song. There's nothing like an old blues tune to calm your nerves after a hectic day.

@stonehand49

AMEN

@ryan72232

Agreed lol 10 yrs later 🤣🤣

@terrywyatt8304

I got it all right here in my head. Fifty years of blues and blues rock Texas style.
Guitar strat fender vintage.

@l.russellbrown9732

Elvis recorded this song
Of all the brilliant blues men that came out of the deep south
Jimmy had the most hauntingly distinctive way of performing his simple but unique tunes.
Being both simple and unique is close to impossible
And Jimmy Reed was
Pure magic

@everettbass8659

They used to play this on the oldies weekend when I was a kid,loved it.Im 70 now😆

@HomeAtLast501

Elvis sped the tempo way up, compared to Jimmy. Elvis also removed the heavy syncopation/emphasis on the backbeat, and evened out the rhythm. He also sang the lyrics with more legato.

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