James Stinson chose the alias, 'Clarence G' as a reference to an author 'Clarence G. Hamilton' who wrote books regarding music theory and music history. Some of the titles of the books are:
- Epochs in Musical Progress
- Outlines of Music History
- Sound: And Its Relation To Music
- Touch and Expression in Piano Playing
Drexciya, James Stinson, were very secretive in their production techniques and influences, but this is one of many Drexciyan mysteries solved.
Walking Boss
Clarence Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walkin' boss
Walkin' boss
Yes you're the boss
But I don't belong to you.
I belongYes, I belong
And I can get along
With that steel drivin' crew
When I asked that boss man
For a job
I said I wanna job
He said "Son, what can you do?"
I can line track
I can line up track
And I can pull a jack
I can pick and shovel too.
chorus (vs 1&2)
I work one day
One hard day
And draw no pay
And just lay around the shanty too
chorus (vs 1&2)
The chorus in Clarence Ashley's song "Walking Boss" repeats the phrase "Walkin' boss" and acknowledges the authority and power dynamic between the boss and the worker. Despite the boss being the boss, the singer doesn't belong to him but instead belongs with the steel drivin' crew. The chorus also emphasizes the singer's independence and strength of character, standing up for himself and his rights in a tough work environment.
In the first two verses, the singer speaks about his experience trying to get a job from the "boss man". He lists his skills and abilities and is able to get hired on. However, he only works one hard day and doesn't get paid for his labor. This speaks to the exploitation of workers during this time period, where wages were low and laborers were treated unfairly. Lastly, the singer says he just lays around the shanty, perhaps in protest or as a form of resistance against the unfair treatment.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' boss
The supervisor who oversees the laborers.
Walkin' boss
Repeating the reference to the supervisor.
Yes you're the boss
Acknowledging the supervisor's authority over the laborers.
But I don't belong to you.
Asserting the individual's autonomy and independence from the supervisor.
I belong
Emphasizing the individual's sense of identity and purpose.
Yes, I belong
Repeating and reinforcing the previous line.
And I can get along
Asserting the individual's ability to work with others.
With that steel drivin' crew
Referring to the group of laborers who work together.
When I asked that boss man
Describing a encounter with the supervisor.
For a job
Requesting employment.
I said I wanna job
Repeating the request for employment.
He said "Son, what can you do?"
The supervisor inquires about the individual's skills and abilities.
I can line track
The individual lists a specific skill related to railway labor.
I can line up track
The individual lists another specific skill related to railway labor.
And I can pull a jack
The individual lists a third specific skill related to railway labor.
I can pick and shovel too.
The individual lists a fourth specific skill related to manual labor.
I work one day
Describing a day on the job.
One hard day
Emphasizing the physical exertion required by the labor.
And draw no pay
Not receiving compensation for the day worked.
And just lay around the shanty too
Spending time resting or socializing with other laborers instead of working.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: ARTHEL WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind