Ain't No More Cane On The Brazos
Ian Gillan Lyrics

The lyrics of "Ain't No More Cane On The Brazos" by Ian Gillan carry a deep layer of historical and socio-political meaning. The song takes its roots from a traditional work song that was sung by African American prison laborers in the southern United States during the early 20th century. These prisoners were often forced to work on chain gangs in the oppressive prison system of that time.

The first stanza sets the scene by mentioning the Brazos River, which was located in Texas and was known for its sugar cane plantations. The line "There ain't no more cane on the Brazos" refers to the depletion of the cane crop, which is symbolically linked to the loss and exploitation of natural resources. The line "They ground it all up in molasses" implies that the cane was processed for economic gain, but at the expense of the workers. This highlights the theme of exploitation and the commodification of labor.

The next stanza mentions a character named Billy, who was driven to blindness through harsh treatment. This captures the brutal reality of the prisoners' lives, being subjected to exhausting labor and abuse. The following verses touch on different time periods, referencing dead men found on the river in 1904 and the mistreatment of women in 1910. These details shed light on the widespread suffering and inhumane treatment endured by those subjected to the prison system, regardless of gender.

The chorus, "Why don't you rise up you dead men, help me drive my road," can be interpreted as a call for unity and resistance. It's a plea for the oppressed to come together and support each other in their struggle against their oppressors.