Walking Boss
Meat Puppets Lyrics


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Walkin' boss
Walkin' boss
I don't belong to you
I belong
Yes, and I can get along
With that steel drivin' crew
(repeat 3 times)




Overall Meaning

The first thing to understand about Meat Puppets’ song Walking Boss is that it is a cover of an old American folk song from the 19th century. The song is about a steel-driving crew, who were mostly African American, working on construction sites in the US during the time of railroad expansion. The boss of the crew, the “walkin’ boss,” is the overseer of the work, responsible for ensuring that the workers are doing their job.


But in Meat Puppets’ rendition, they subvert the original meaning of the song. When they sing “Walkin’ boss, I don’t belong to you, I belong,” they are rejecting the authority of the boss and asserting their own independence. The “steel drivin’ crew” is not just a group of workers, but a metaphor for the band itself and their struggle to maintain creative control in the music industry. The repeated refrain of “I can get along” is a defiant assertion that they will not be told what to do.


Line by Line Meaning

Walkin' boss
The person in charge who walks around supervising and overseeing the work


Walkin' boss
The same person as mentioned previously


I don't belong to you
I am not your property or subordinate


I belong
I have a sense of belonging somewhere


Yes, and I can get along
I am able to adapt and fit in with those around me


With that steel drivin' crew
With the group of laborers who work hard and tirelessly to drive steel into the ground, possibly in construction or railroad work




Contributed by Jeremiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

jay lava

love this version, first heard it back in '82 i believe, brings back some crazy memories partying as a young dude.

Stephen Paris

Possibly my favorite guitar solo ever.

Greg Adams

That chord at 1:31

Chiral Gear Solid

theme song to life.

Seeker

I remember this, listening to my walkman!

Léon

Walkman boss

Ryan Costello

god I love that intro

Berend Logtenberg

Great raw music

lucalone

best version of that song!

r. kortwick

i had this album, around 1988.

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