Jack
The Doug Anthony Allstars Lyrics


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What are your hands, Jack?
Black from the coal
What is your back, Jack?
Snapped and cracked from digging it, digging it
Watch that soul

What are your hands, Jack?
Black from the coal
What is your back, Jack?
Snapped and cracked from digging it, digging it
Watch that soul

Failed the test
Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck
Failed the test
Need to rest (Look at your hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck
(Hands, Jack; look at your hands, Jack)

Failed the test
Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Black from the coal)
Failed the test
Need to rest (What is your back, Jack?)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that soul)

Failed the test
Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Black from the coal)
Failed the test
Need to rest (What is your back, Jack?)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that fault)

Failed the test
Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Black from the coal)
Failed the test
Need to rest (What is your back, Jack?)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that fault)

Failed the test
Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Black from the coal)
Failed the test




Need to rest (What is your back, Jack?)
I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck (Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that soul)

Overall Meaning

The Doug Anthony Allstars' "Jack" explores the themes of manual labor and the toll it takes on the body and soul. The repeated chorus "What are your hands, Jack? Black from the coal, What is your back, Jack? Snapped and cracked from digging it, digging it, Watch that soul" highlights the physical toll of the work. The verses imply that the singer and Jack have failed some sort of test that has left them feeling broken and in need of a rest. The phrase "trusted wreck" suggests that they were trying their best under difficult circumstances, but that their effort was not enough.


The use of the name "Jack" in the song's title and chorus may refer to the everyman or the working-class individual who has to engage in manual labor to make ends meet. This is further emphasized by the use of coal mining imagery, which is notorious for its danger and negative effects on workers' health. Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the song is the call to "watch that soul," signifying that while the workers' bodies may be breaking down, their spirit and will to live must remain unbroken.


Line by Line Meaning

What are your hands, Jack?
Questioning the occupation of Jack by asking about the appearance of his hands


Black from the coal
His hands are black from working in the coal mines


What is your back, Jack?
Asking about the condition of Jack's back due to his occupation


Snapped and cracked from digging it, digging it
Jack's back is injured and broken from the physical labor of digging


Watch that soul
A warning to take care of his inner self while working in such a demanding job


Failed the test
Jack has failed some sort of test or assessment


Need to rest (Hands, Jack)
Jack needs to take a break to heal his injured hands


I'm all messed up in a trusted wreck
Jack is physically and mentally exhausted, and his job has taken a toll on him


Failed the test
Repeating that Jack has not passed some sort of test


Black from the coal
Reiterating that Jack's hands are black from working in the coal mines


What is your back, Jack?
Asking again about the condition of Jack's back


Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that soul
Repeating that Jack's back is snapped and cracked from the physical labor of digging, and a warning to take care of his inner self


Failed the test
Again repeating that Jack has failed some sort of test


Black from the coal
Continuing to emphasize the appearance of Jack's hands from working in the coal mines


What is your back, Jack?
Reiterating the question about Jack's back condition due to his occupation


Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that fault
Continuing to describe Jack's injured back from the labor of digging, and the warning to take care of himself


Failed the test
Repeating once again that Jack has not passed some sort of test or assessment


Black from the coal
Once again, emphasizing the appearance of Jack's hands from working in the coal mines


What is your back, Jack?
Asking once more about the condition of Jack's back


Snapped and cracked from diggin' it, diggin' it, watch that soul
Repeating the earlier description of Jack's injured back from the labor of digging, and the warning to take care of his inner self




Contributed by Matthew G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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