Work Song
Burdon Eric & Animals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breakin' rocks and servin' my time
Breakin' up these rocks on-a chain gang
‘cause I been convicted of a crime.
Oh, reckon that ought-a get it
Been workin' … I been workin'
But, I still got a long way to go
I been convicted of the crime, Lord, of needin'
Crime of bein' hungry and poor
Had-a leave some grocery man bleedin'
When he found me robbin' his store.
Hold it steady right there while I hit it … huh!
Oh, reckon that ought-a get it
Been workin' … I been workin'
But, I still got a long way to go
I wanna go see my baby
I got to break these chains off and run
I wanna lay my head where it's shady
Lord it sure gets hot in this sun.
Hold it steady right there while I hit it … huh!
Oh, reckon that ought-a get it
Been workin' … I been workin'
But, I still got a long way to go
Heard a judge say, “Five years labor …
To the chain gang you got-a go.”
Heard a judge say, “Five years labor.”
Heard my woman scream, “Lord, no!”
Hold it steady right there while I hit it … huh!
Oh, reckon that ought-a get it
Been workin' … I been workin'
But, I got me so terrible long to go.
The lyrics of "Work Song" by Eric Burdon and The Animals describe the exhausting experience of breaking rocks on a chain gang. The singer of the song has been convicted of a crime and is serving his sentence by performing grueling manual labor. The lyrics reveal that the singer has been convicted for committing a crime of necessity - stealing from a grocery store because he was hungry and poor. The song showcases the harsh and unforgiving nature of the criminal justice system, which punishes not only the crime but also the circumstances that led to it.
The powerful imagery of the song paints a vivid picture of the singer's struggle. He desperately wants to escape the torment of the chain gang and reunite with his loved ones, but he knows that he still has a long way to go. The repetition of the line "Been workin'…I been workin'" highlights the never-ending cycle of labor and oppression that the singer is trapped in.
Line by Line Meaning
Breakin' up these rocks on-a chain gang
Picking at rocks and stones while being chained up
Breakin' rocks and servin' my time
Breaking rocks as a punishment for a crime I committed
‘cause I been convicted of a crime.
Being forced to work on the chain gang because of the crime I was found guilty of
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Telling someone to hold a rock steady while I break it
Oh, reckon that ought-a get it
Expressing confidence that I will be able to break the rock with my next strike
Been workin' … I been workin'
Acknowledging that I have been working hard at breaking rocks
But, I still got a long way to go
Admitting that even though I have been working hard, there is still a lot of work left to do
I been convicted of the crime, Lord, of needin'
Explaining that my crime was needing to steal food because I was hungry and poor
Crime of bein' hungry and poor
Indicating that my poverty and hunger forced me to commit a crime
Had-a leave some grocery man bleedin'
Confessing to hurting a store owner while trying to steal food
When he found me robbin' his store.
Explaining the circumstances that led to my crime
I wanna go see my baby
Expressing my desire to visit my loved one
I got to break these chains off and run
Feeling the need to break free from the chain gang and escape
I wanna lay my head where it's shady
Desiring a cool and comfortable place to rest
Lord it sure gets hot in this sun.
Complaining about the heat and discomfort of working on the chain gang
Heard a judge say, “Five years labor …
Recalling the sentence the judge gave me for my crime
To the chain gang you got-a go.”
Telling me that I will be sent to the chain gang to fulfill my sentence
Heard my woman scream, “Lord, no!”
Remembering the emotional pain and distress my sentence caused my loved ones
But, I got me so terrible long to go.
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of time I still need to spend on the chain gang
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNSON, LUDVIGSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Dawson
Five guys, no autotune, no digital processing, minimal musical gear yet an extraordinary musical performance due to talent and skill.
talkcat10
He sings "live" to a pre-recorded track.
Beth H.
@Piggy-218 You know, I really dislike these lists by so called, so referred to experts when they have no such credibility. The lists are insulting to artists who are obviously so highly talented and the subjective opinions of the list makers attempt to diminish that talent. Eric Burdon is so distinct, so over the top amazing in voice, charisma, talent, emotion. Am I an expert for stating that? Who knows. But I know how I feel when listening to him and watching his performances. Mesmerizing!
Buck Johnson
@Piggy-218 That’s really sad. He could sing any style, and send his message loud and clear.
lightcaesar
@roughtake And soul.
roughtake
@Piggy-218 and Rolling Stone is relevant to you? it's a fashion rag
bmw414141
I always wonder why the Animals never put this song on a studio album. They play it so well here... the respective electric piano and guitar solos by Rowberry and Valentine are killer, and Burdon's voice is spot on as always.
🔆𖧷 60s Skittle 𖧷🔆
@Redwhiteblue Yeah but let's be honest, that song rocks
When you're happy, you enjoy the music
When you're sad, you understand the lyrics... (Lol)
Redwhiteblue
Probably because the words sympathize with a criminal who robs and beats up a grocery store employee. Not a good message to put on an album for teenagers
Elisabeth Axelsson
They was so great and Erics voice is outstanding , the best singer from the 60s and the best group .