Conway Twitty (1 September 1933 – 5 June 1993), born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, … Read Full Bio ↴Conway Twitty (1 September 1933 – 5 June 1993), born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was one of the United States' most successful artists of the 20th century. Twitty had the most singles (55) reach Number 1 on various national music charts. Conway Twitty's across the board totals were greater than that of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, and Garth Brooks. Most notably known as a country music singer, Twitty also enjoyed success in early Rock and Roll, R&B, and Pop music (among other genres). He teamed up with Loretta Lynn to form one of country music's most successful business partnerships.

Origin of Jenkins Stage Name--------- Jenkins felt that his real name wasn't marketable, and he changed his show business name in 1957. (Harold Lloyd Jenkins would always remain his legal name, however). Looking at a road map, he spotted Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. Thus, he went with the professional name of "Conway Twitty".[citation needed]

Alternatively, Jenkins met a Richmond, VA, man named W. Conway Twitty Jr. through Jenkins' manager in a New York City restaurant. The manager served in the army with the real Conway Twitty. Later, the manager suggested to Jenkins that he take the name as his stage name because it had a ring to it. The Richmond Conway Twitty subsequently recorded the song, "What's in a Name But Trouble," in the mid-1960s, lamenting the loss of his name to Jenkins. The flip side of the 45 RPM record was "The Purple, Purple People Eater, Eater." (The more well known version of Purple People Eater, however, now having sold over 100,000,000 copies, was recorded by Sheb Wooley.)

Big Boss Man
Conway Twitty 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?

Well, you ain't so big
You're just tall, that's all
Got me working, boss man

Working 'round the clock

I want me a drink of water
But you won't let Jimmy, stop

Big boss man
Can't you hear me when I call?
Well, you ain't so big
You just tall, that's all

Well, I m gonna get me a boss man
One gonna treat me right
Work hard in the day time
Rest easy at night

Big boss man
Can't you hear me when I call?

Well, you ain't so big
You re just tall, that's all

Overall Meaning

In the song "Big Boss Man," Conway Twitty sings about the struggle of being an employee under a tyrannical boss. The singer tells his boss that he is overworked and tired, but his request for a drink of water is ignored. He calls out to the boss, asking if he can hear him, but he knows his words fall on deaf ears. The final verse reveals his desire to find a better boss, someone who will treat him with respect and allow him to have a work-life balance.

The lyrics of "Big Boss Man" speak to anyone who has ever felt mistreated or overworked in their workplace. The song is a commentary on the power dynamic between employers and employees and the importance of treating workers with fairness and kindness. The repetition of "can't you hear me when I call" emphasizes the frustration and powerlessness felt by the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

Big boss man
Addressing the boss

Can't you hear me when I call?
Asking if the boss is listening to their requests

Well, you ain't so big
Suggesting that the boss is not as impressive as they think they are

You're just tall, that's all
Explaining that the boss's height is not synonymous with greatness

Got me working, boss man
Acknowledging that they are an employee of the boss

Working 'round the clock
Indicating that they are working hard and often

I want me a drink of water
Expressing a basic need

But you won't let Jimmy stop
The boss is preventing someone else from being able to assist

Well, I'm gonna get me a boss man
Expressing a desire for a better boss

One gonna treat me right
Desiring a boss who treats them fairly and with respect

Work hard in the daytime
Willing to work hard during the day