(S.Cooke)


Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain ga-a-ang

Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang


All day long they work so hard

Till the sun is goin' down

Working on the highways and by ways

And wearing, wearing a frown

You hear them moanin' their lives away

Then you hear somebody say


Well don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain ga-a-ang

Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang


Can't ya hear them singin'


Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain ga-a-ang

Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang


Can't ya hear them sayin'

I'm goin' home one of these days

I'm goin' home see my woman

She's my love so dear

But meanwhile I got to work right here


Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain ga-a-ang

Well, don't you know

That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang


Can't ya hear them singin'

My work is so hard

Give me water, I'm thirsty

My work is so hard

Give me water...