Tamping Ties
Henry Truvillion Lyrics
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All the livelong day
Tamp 'em up solid
Then they'll hold that midnight mail
The captain don't like me
Won't allow me no show
Well, work don't hurt me
Don't care where in the world I go
Like the early rise
Well, work don't hurt me
But that's the thing that hurts my pride
That hurts my pride
That hurts my pride
That hurts my pride
The song "Tamping Ties" by Henry Truvillion talks about the hard work that goes into maintaining railroads. The first two lines of the song, "Tamp 'em up solid, all the livelong day / Tamp 'em up solid, then they'll hold that midnight mail," are referring to the work of tamping, which involves packing gravel and other materials around railroad ties to keep them secure. The singer seems to take pride in the hard work that he does, noting that even though his captain does not like him, he does not mind working.
Later on, the singer says that work does not hurt him, but that his pride is what is hurt. It is possible that he feels undervalued or unappreciated for the work that he does, despite the fact that it is necessary and important.
Overall, "Tamping Ties" is a song that celebrates the hard work and perseverance of those who maintain the railroads, even in the face of difficult conditions and attitudes.
Line by Line Meaning
Tamp 'em up solid
Compact the railroad ties tightly
All the livelong day
Working hard from sunrise to sunset
Then they'll hold that midnight mail
Ensuring the tracks are sturdy enough to support the heavy load of the train and its cargo
The captain don't like me
The artist is disliked by his supervisor or boss
Won't allow me no show
The artist is not given any opportunities or promotions
Well, work don't hurt me
The singer is not afraid of hard work
Don't care where in the world I go
The singer is willing to work anywhere
Like the early rise
The artist enjoys waking up early to work
But that's the thing that hurts my pride
The lack of recognition or respect for his hard work damages the artist's self-esteem
That hurts my pride
The lack of recognition or respect for his hard work damages the artist's self-esteem
That hurts my pride
The lack of recognition or respect for his hard work damages the singer's self-esteem
That hurts my pride
The lack of recognition or respect for his hard work damages the artist's self-esteem
Contributed by Gabriella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.