I been workin' all my life tryin' to beat the company clock
In a Louisiana gravel pit, breakin' up rock
My baby's had enough, she's packin' up and leavin'
She says you're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even

Jackhammer Jimmy said to Shallowwater Slim
“If you see Doctor Danny then you better talk to him
Life's too short to be sittin' 'round grievin'"
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even

Breakin’ up rock, breakin’ up rock
Working for the man on the company clock
Breakin’ up rock, got everyone belivin'
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even

My daddy tried to tell me when I was just a kid
Don't work in the pit like your poor ol' daddy did
Some days you sit and wonder what it is that you're achievin'
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even

Breakin’ up rock, breakin’ up rock
Working for the man on the company clock
Breakin' up rock, got everyone belivin'
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even