Lyrics
The working man is up before the birds start singing
The working man starts his day early, even before birds begin singing.
He hammers all day until his ears start ringing
He works hard throughout the day, to the point where the noise affects his ears.
Come the end of the month, he ain't got a dime
By the end of the month, he is financially struggling with no money.
The county took a quarter and his bills are piled high
A portion of his earnings goes to the county, and bills have accumulated.
He says Lord it ain't supposed to be this way
The working man expresses dissatisfaction, questioning the fairness of his situation.
The working man should have a little say
He believes that the working man deserves more influence or control over his life.
And God says
A shift to a divine perspective, suggesting a conversation with God.
Son, I told you the ways of man
God reminds the working man about the inherently wicked nature of humanity.
Are wicked and filthy in all the land
Highlighting the corruption and impurity prevalent in the world.
Keep your money, they'll have your hand
A warning to be cautious with money, as others may take advantage.
Give a dollar, they'll steal a grand
Emphasizes the potential for exploitation when giving or trusting others.
The working man is down before the job gets finished
The working man faces challenges, and his work remains incomplete.
His body hits the ground before his head stops spinning
The physical toll on the working man is severe, collapsing before finishing tasks.
The boys are fighting mad
People around the working man are angered by their difficult living conditions.
No, they won't have this living
A refusal to accept the harsh reality, leading to a dire situation.
Can't afford to bury Dad and so they all start digging
Financial struggles reach a point where they can't afford a proper burial.
They say Lord it ain't supposed to be this way
Similar to line 5, expressing discontent with the situation.
The working man should have a little say
Reiterates the desire for the working man to have more control or influence.
And God says
A continuation of the divine perspective, perhaps another conversation with God.
Sons, I told you the ways of man
God repeats the warning about the wicked and filthy nature of humanity.
Are wicked and filthy in all the land
Reiterating the pervasive corruption in the world.
Keep your body, they'll have your soul
A caution about the potential loss of one's essence or integrity.
Give a diamond, they'll steal the coal
Highlighting the risk of losing something valuable when giving away something precious.
Stone cold to the bone
Describes a chilling, emotionless state, possibly related to the harshness of life.
Down the chimney, through your coat
Depicts an intrusion into personal space, with imagery of going through one's coat.
Stone cold and growing old
Describes a cold and aging reality.
Follow where that old smoke blows
Suggests following the negative influence or consequences indicated by old smoke.
Sitting here you're good as dead
Implies that inaction or complacency can lead to negative outcomes.
Through the snow you'd better tread
Warning against traversing a difficult path through adversity.
You say Lord it ain't supposed to be this way
Similar to lines 5 and 17, expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
And God says
A repetition of the divine perspective, possibly indicating continued struggle.
Son, I told you the ways of man are wicked and filthy in all the land
A reaffirmation of the inherent wickedness and filthiness of humanity.
Keep your body, they'll have your soul
Reiterates the warning about the potential loss of one's essence or integrity.
Give a diamond, they'll steal the coal
Reiterating the risk of losing something valuable when giving away something precious.
Keep your money, they'll have your hand
Repeats the caution about the potential exploitation related to money.
Give a dollar, they'll steal a grand
Repeats the warning about the potential for exploitation when giving or trusting others.
Give a dollar, they'll steal a grand
Emphasizes the escalating risk and consequences associated with giving away money.
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