Working In A Coalmine
Lee Dorsey Lyrics
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Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm already up and gone
Lord, I'm so tired
How long can this go on?
Da-da, workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
'Course I make a little money
Haulin' coal by the ton
But when Saturday rolls around
I'm too tired for havin' fun
Too tired for havin'
I'm just workin' in the coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Lord, I'm so tired
How long can this go on?
Da-da, workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Five o'clock in the mornin'
I'm already up and gone
Lord, I'm so tired
How long can this go on?
Da-da, workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
'Course I make a little money
Haulin' coal by the ton
But when Saturday rolls around
I'm too tired for havin' fun
Too tired for havin'
I'm just workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down
Lord, I'm so tired
Lee Dorsey's song "Working in the Coal Mine" is a classic, up-tempo R&B track about the grueling and repetitive work done by coal miners. The lyrics describe the experience of a miner who wakes up early in the morning and goes to work, only to become increasingly exhausted throughout the day. The song is marked by its catchy refrain, "Goin' down, down, down / Workin' in a coal mine / Oops, about to slip down." The repetition of these lines highlights the monotony and danger of the work, while the use of the phrase "oops" creates a sense of unpredictability and imminent danger.
The lyrics of the song convey the physical and mental strain that working in a coal mine can take on a person. The singer of the song describes waking up early in the morning, already tired before he even begins work. As the day goes on, he becomes more and more exhausted, highlighted by the repetition of the refrain. The lyrics also touch on the fact that while he might earn some money hauling coal, it takes such a toll on his body that he is too tired to enjoy his weekends.
"Working in the Coal Mine" was originally written and recorded by Allen Toussaint, but Lee Dorsey's version was the one that received widespread commercial success. The song was originally released in 1966 and reached number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Interestingly, the song became even more popular in the UK, where it reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. The popularity of the song has endured over the years, with it being used in various films and TV shows, including The Simpson and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Line by Line Meaning
Workin' in a coal mine
Engaged in the physically taxing and dangerous work of extracting coal from underground mines
Goin' down, down, down
Descending deeper into the mine shaft in order to perform one's duties
Oops, about to slip down
Aware of the ever-present risk of accidents or deaths due to the unstable and cramped working conditions in the mine
Five o'clock in the mornin'
Beginning work at a very early hour, before dawn
I'm already up and gone
Already awake, dressed, and ready for the long and arduous day ahead
Lord, I'm so tired
Feeling physically exhausted and mentally drained from the grueling and repetitive nature of the work
How long can this go on?
Wondering how much longer one can continue to endure this demanding and perilous profession
'Course I make a little money
Acknowledging that the only incentive for putting up with the harsh working conditions is the modest income earned for hauling coal
Haulin' coal by the ton
Transporting large amounts of coal out of the mine, often on one's back or in a cart or truck
But when Saturday rolls around
Looking forward to one's day off, which only comes once a week
I'm too tired for havin' fun
Feeling too drained and exhausted to enjoy any leisure activities or socializing on weekends
Too tired for havin'
Repeating the idea that the fatigue and exhaustion from work leave no energy or enthusiasm for leisure pursuits
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Allen Toussaint
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind