The band currently has the line-up of Greg Martin, Doug Phelps, Fred Young, and Richard Young. They are essentially a southern rock group that adapted their sound to straight-forwards country music in many of their songs. Their music has crossed a number of genre boundaries, at various times ranging from country and bluegrass to blues to hard rock that borders on traditional metal.
For more information visit their website here: The Kentucky Headhunters
Big Boss Man
The Kentucky Headhunters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Can't you hear me when I call?
Well you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all, All right
Well you got me workin' boss man
Workin' round the clock
I wanna little drink of water
Big boss man now can't you hear me when I call? All right
I said you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all
Big boss man, why can't you hear me when I call? All right
You know you ain't so big, I said you're just tall that's all, All right
I'm gonna get me a boss man
One who's gonna treat me right
I work hard in the day time
Rest easy at night
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call? Can't you hear me when I
call?
I said you ain't so big, you're just tall that's all
I'm gonna get me a boss man
One that's gonna treat me right
I work hard in the evenin'
Rest easy at night
Big boss man, big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
I said you ain't so big, you're just tall that's all
All right, big boss man
It's all right
The Kentucky Headhunters' song "Big Boss Man" is a bluesy and rebellious protest against the oppressive nature of bosses and the institutionalized power dynamic between the employer and the employee. The lyrics address the titular "big boss man" directly, asking him if he can hear the requests of the workers. The workers want a little drink of water, but the boss won't even let them take a break. They are overworked and exhausted, but the boss doesn't care. The workers are frustrated that their complaints are not being heard and that they are being mistreated by someone who is not even "so big" but merely "just tall."
The song builds into a declaration of defiance and a call to action, as the workers proclaim that they will "get me a boss man/One who's gonna treat me right" and will work hard during the day and rest easy at night. The song suggests that the boss-employee relationship should be more equal and respectful, with the boss treating his workers fairly and listening to their concerns. Overall, the song is a commentary on the exploitation and mistreatment of workers, with a call to action for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
The singer is addressing their boss and asking if they are listening to them.
Well you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all, All right
The singer acknowledges their boss's physical size, but asserts that it doesn't make them more important.
Well you got me workin' boss man Workin' round the clock I wanna little drink of water But you won't let big Al stop
The singer is expressing their frustration at their boss's demands and lack of concern for their basic needs, like water.
Big boss man now can't you hear me when I call? All right I said you ain't so big, you know you're just tall that's all
The artist is repeating their earlier sentiments, emphasizing that their boss's physical size doesn't make them any more important.
I'm gonna get me a boss man One who's gonna treat me right I work hard in the day time Rest easy at night
The artist is expressing their desire for a boss who will treat them fairly and allow them to have work-life balance.
Big boss man, big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
The singer is repeating their initial question, still seeking acknowledgement from their boss.
I said you ain't so big, you're just tall that's all All right, big boss man It's all right
The singer is once again asserting that physical size does not equate to importance, and ultimately seems to be accepting their situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dixon Luther, Al Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Cohen
Tremendous powerhouse of a cover. KH shows respect to the past by presenting and updating it so passionately
Tim Smith
THIS SONG RIGHT HERE IS THA BOMB 💣 CRANK IT UP!!!!!!!
AnnHattieAnn
These guys rock the sh*t out of this classic!
Stan
Such a great band. So under-rated.
Helio Medeiros
muito bom parabens , éuma otima banda viva o Southern :)
M. Roe
I went to school with 2 of these guys (Barren County,KY) I a REAL proud to hear how great they turned out! OUTSTANDING!!!! Mike R.
Ivan Sette
Amazing music, singers, even the girl dancing is amazing
Stacy Henson
Big Boss Man ROCKS!!! I wished it was on Itunes...... I hadnt heard of it until they played in a promo for the NFR rodeo in las Vegas....... cant get enough of it!!!
Stephen Sipe
We saw them about a month ago at Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse concert hall. They were really good! Great show!
rick ragan
Great song, smokin' southern rock, I like some of thier other stuff, but this is full of raunchy goodness!