(Verse 1)
Papa,
They're waiting just outside my door.
This is where I make my stand, because I can't stand it anymore.
Papa,
They have no heart and soul.
But make no doubt about it, they're the ones that's in control.
So prepare yourself, for a war unlike you've ever seen.
Hmmmmâ?¦. This is man against machine.
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
(Verse 2)
*How*
Day in, day out, bust your back and turn it out.
Next morning do it all again!
Hard job or two, so your children won't have to.
That's just the ways it's always been!
But lately I swear the machines, are living the American dream.
(Chorus)
Careful calculations, details drawn down to design.
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line.
It don't know me from Adam, man it's rotten to the core.
It's going to get reminded, man has kicked its ass before.
John Henry is about to show them his team.
In this war of man, against the machine!
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
(Verse 3)
Up early, uphill, spend your youth to pay the bills.
Each generation makes a trade!
Top Floor, brass tax, colds the hand that holds the ax.
Acts like my dues have not been paid!
But pay attention now when I say, formation isn't happening today.
(Chorus)
Careful calculations, details drawn down to design.
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line.
It don't know me from Adam, man it's rotten to the core.
It's going to get reminded, man has kicked its ass before.
John Henry is about to blow off some steam.
In this war of man, against the machine!
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
Work!  
Work! 
Work! 
(Verse 4)
Papa,
The powers out, the machines are down.
But in this world of darkness, I can still hear a sound.
Papa,
That sound tells us apart.
Cause I'm a machine myself, but I'm one with a working heart!
(Chorus)
Careful calculations, details drawn down to design.
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line.
It don't know me from Adam, man it's rotten to the core.
It's going to get reminded, man has kicked its ass before.
The gloves are off, no love lost between.
This war of man, against the machine!
Work! 
Work! 
Work! 
Work! 
Work! 
Work! 
Work! 
Work!