Hogjaw was formed in late 2006 through the power of jamming…” when we realized what we had, it just snowballed.” Everyone in the band is standing friends from High School and with one common goal, rockin, it became easy for the music to develop. With years of playing in label bands, touring afar, and playing beat-up acoustic guitars in and around the hills, these guys find their talents on a way of their own. It is spoken through the songs…and with support from everyone surrounding Hogjaw….things couldn’t be better for the group!
Swamp
Hogjaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
D. Deluca, JB Jones
Copyright 2008 Swampjawbeamusic LLC
All your life just a regular guy, doin' the best you can
Always wondering what else is out there, what you want to do
I get the feeling more and more now, I been made the fool
They take you wrong, they call you names, say you don't even try
Back in the swamp I guess, nobody sees I ain't satisfied
(Chorus 1)
And I don't remember what it is they done to me
Too many mornings tasting last night's whiskey
Its gotta be something coming out from deep inside
There's more to life than this damn old 9 to 5
I'm not a judge or jury, and I could care less
But ever since I was a boy, I seen this concrete mess
I won't ignore this change in me, not for someone else
I Feel stronger than ever before, and I do this for myself
You can work your life away and never be your best
Or hold your head up high, Knock them off your chest
(Chorus 2)
And I don't remember what it is they done to me
Too many mornings tasting last night's whiskey
They bring you down; steal your mind one day at a time
Found out how good life can be when it's mine
(Bridge)
God damned the workin man to be the corporate slave
You Settin' high in the tower, the workin man made
I know it's a fact because I see it day and day
And I Live week to week on my shitty ass pay!
Shitty ass pay
Shitty ass pay
They ain't gonna roll me
I'm my own man
Today is a new day
I got my ace in hand
(Guitar lead)
The song "Swamp" by Hogjaw talks about a man who has always been a regular guy, doing his best to fit into the plan but finds himself unsatisfied with life. The lyrics express his frustration with being misunderstood and not finding fulfillment in the 9 to 5 grind. He feels like he has been made a fool by the system and the people who don't appreciate or recognize his effort. He finds himself turning to whiskey to forget the monotony of his life, but he knows he wants to break free and do something different with his life. He feels a change in himself, and he knows he has to do something for himself. The song promotes the idea of being your own man, holding your head up high, and taking control of your own life.
Line by Line Meaning
All your life just a regular guy, doin' the best you can
From birth till now, living an average life, trying your best
Sometimes it just ain't enough to fit into the plan
Occasionally, trying your best isn't good enough to fulfill a bigger plan
Always wondering what else is out there, what you want to do
Always feeling the curiosity of other options or life choices.
I get the feeling more and more now, I been made the fool
Recently got the feeling of being tricked, betrayed, or foolish
They take you wrong, they call you names, say you don't even try
Being misunderstood, criticized, and getting accused of not trying or caring
Back in the swamp I guess, nobody sees I ain't satisfied
Returning to the hometown where no one understands the feeling of dissatisfaction
And I don't remember what it is they done to me
Can't recall how or why they affected me
Too many mornings tasting last night's whiskey
Drinking too much every night, affecting the memory in the morning
Its gotta be something coming out from deep inside
Something is stirring deep down that needs to be expressed or acted upon
There's more to life than this damn old 9 to 5
Life must have more to offer than the mundane 9 to 5 routine
I'm not a judge or jury, and I could care less
Not interested in being judgmental or taking sides
But ever since I was a boy, I seen this concrete mess
Seeing how the world develops into an urban jungle since childhood
I won't ignore this change in me, not for someone else
Can't ignore this change in me, ignoring it won't satisfy others either
I Feel stronger than ever before, and I do this for myself
Feeling stronger and motivated, doing it for one's self
You can work your life away and never be your best
Working continuously without ever achieving one's best potential
Or hold your head up high, Knock them off your chest
Hold the head high and knock off the problems in front of you
They bring you down; steal your mind one day at a time
Negative people or situations bring you down and affect mentally subtly
Found out how good life can be when it's mine
The awareness of how good the life can be, taking control of it
God damned the workin man to be the corporate slave
The working man is damned to be the slave of the corporate world by God,
You Settin' high in the tower, the workin man made
The high position is set up by the working men.
I know it's a fact because I see it day and day
It's a realistic fact observed daily.
And I Live week to week on my shitty ass pay!
Current life is only affordable to live paycheck to paycheck
They ain't gonna roll me
They can't manipulate me anymore
I'm my own man
I'm independent and have control over myself.
Today is a new day
Today is the start of a new life
I got my ace in hand
I'm prepared and have the upper hand
Contributed by Caden R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Scot_With_One_T
Good ol' southern rock... like Skynard, but with more distortion and a modern sound. You guys knocked it out of the park!
@rearloadmaster4854
Damn this is awesome. Northern born and bred, love heavy metal and yet Hogjaw kills it for me. Can’t beat that tone from the Marshalls and Gibsons. Keep rocking
@ronaldadkins1186
I happen to find some Hogjaw music several years ago, bought several c.d.'s, great band, great music, filled the gap in me left from Molly Hatchet and Lynyrd Skynyrd,love the band and there great music.
@leeanderson2737
I just found this band about a month ago wow these guys should be bigger then what they are
@creoleviking8433
One of the best songs for a little extra push when your doing PT!
@22joekoo
I start my friday nights off with this jam!!!!! sets the tone for the night
@richardmiddleton2430
22joekoo you’re my hero
@dixiecbclub3437
TGIF BUDDY! - 5 YEARS OUT HAHA, you look old hope your still alive and kickin man!!!
@alangoodwin1966
My latest favorite band. Love the Southern rock sound,seeing how Im a southern man, born and bred. I’m also a musician.Vocals are spot on, and his voice is unique.
Lead guitar is sharp, and flows like liquid. Transitions are seamless. Lyrics have a blue collar working man vibe.I listen to this when I work, riding in my boat, and driving. They sound great LOUD. 😎
I also like Black Stone Cherry, and Texas Hippie Coalition. (THC) Check em out.
@james140576
The greatest band around today!