Big Boss Man
Tom Petty Lyrics


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Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Well you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all

Well you got me working boss man, working around the clock
One little drink of water but you won't let Tommy stop
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Well you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all

You got me working boss man, working around the clock
One little drink of water, but you won't let Tommy stop




Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Listen you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tom Petty's Big Boss Man seem to be a commentary on the unfairness and mistreatment that can happen in a work environment. The singer is addressing the titular "boss man" who seems to be indifferent or intentionally ignorant of the singer's struggles. The singer asks if the boss man can hear him, implying that he feels unheard and ignored by those in power. The second line directly addresses the boss man's size, suggesting that perhaps this physical attribute has given him an inflated sense of importance or power. The final line of the first verse appears to be a subtle dig at the boss man's authority, suggesting that his perceived bigness is not necessarily indicative of real power.


The second verse repeats the same theme of overworking and underappreciation. The singer is working "around the clock," but is only asking for a "little drink of water," which is still being denied to him. The repetition of this verse reinforces the idea that the working conditions are oppressive, and the boss man is indifferent to his subordinates' needs. The final verse repeats the same structure and themes, with the singer again asking to be heard and recognized for his hard work.


Line by Line Meaning

Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Addressing the authority figure and questioning their ability to listen


Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Repeating the question in hopes of getting a response


Well you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all
Challenging the notion that the boss is all-powerful


Well you got me working boss man, working around the clock
Acknowledging that the boss has control over their work schedule


One little drink of water but you won't let Tommy stop
Complaining about the boss's strict rules and lack of leniency


Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Continuing to question the boss's ability to listen


Well you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all
Emphasizing that the boss's power is not absolute


You got me working boss man, working around the clock
Reiterating that the boss controls the artist's work life


One little drink of water, but you won't let Tommy stop
Expressing frustration with the boss's unreasonable demands


Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Final plea to be heard by the boss


Listen you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all
Asserting that the boss's height does not define their authority




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dixon Luther, Al Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@keyjam9

There is nothing as heavy as country blues.

@cliffwilliams4398

The first time I've seen Danny Dawson or Lee Roy Parnell and I am a 100% fan of both as I already was with Waylon & Travis!!

@curtisstewart1774

That was pretty cool.

@johnbowers8388

I knew of Leeroy but not much just went to the song of the mountains and saw him last month he put on a well of a show it will air on pbs sometime this year it is in Marion va nice place if you get the chance to go going to see jr brown in 5\5\24 lookn ford to seeing him to

@anderskandersson4613

All these gentlemen are the real Big Boss Men; the true legends in American blues and outlaws industry ❤❤❤

@kerrydavidsadler980

Now that's a line up! What amazing talent and showmanship.

@onrywaymore104

No doubt...you got some mighty fine guitar pickers in that studio.

@jamesgoodman8289

Man I tell you that blues music is in every kind of music go head y'all good job on Jimmy Reed song that's how you survived in the cotton Fields keep the blues alive

@jongalleog3486

The moment i herd mr dawson sing i just knew he had the chops to carry on the outlaw sound 👍🏻i would pay anything to see him in jackson hole wym at the million dollar cowboy bar !

@bridgetwarner

that’s my dad, I’ll tell him he needs to do a show there! Always wanted to see WYM

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