Lyrics
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Describes the audible noise produced by men working on a chain gang.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Reiterates the sound of men working on the chain gang, emphasizing their labor.
All day long they work so hard till the sun is goin' down
Highlights the long and hard workday of the men until sunset.
Working on the highways and byways and wearin', wearin' a frown
Specifies the type of work on highways and byways, accompanied by a wearisome expression.
Hear them moanin' their lives away
Expresses the men's lament as they work, suggesting a challenging and difficult life.
Then you hear somebody say
Introduces a remark from an observer acknowledging the sound of the chain gang.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Reaffirms the sound as a representation of men diligently working on the chain gang.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Repeats the declaration of the men's labor on the chain gang.
He don't love you, like I love you
Introduces a shift in the lyrics, addressing a romantic relationship.
If he did he wouldn't break your heart
Suggests that the speaker's love is deeper and more sincere than someone else's.
He don't love you, like I love you
Repeats the assertion that the speaker's love surpasses the other person's.
He's trying to tear us apart
Accuses the third person of trying to destroy the speaker's relationship.
Gonna find her, I'm gonna find her, I'm gonna find her
Expresses the speaker's commitment to finding the person in question.
Oh, if I have to climb a mountain, you know I will
Emphasizes the speaker's willingness to overcome obstacles, even climbing a mountain.
And if I have to swim a river, you know I will
Extends the determination to swim a river in the pursuit of finding the person.
And I might find her hidin' up on Blueberry Hill
Suggests a potential location, Blueberry Hill, where the speaker might find the person.
How am I gonna find her, child, you know I will
Reiterates the commitment to finding the person, emphasizing determination.
'Cause I'm goin' searchin'
Declares the speaker's intent to search for the person.
I'm goin' searchin'
Reiterates the determination to search, emphasizing urgency.
Searchin' everywhere
Emphasizes the extensive scope of the search, covering everywhere.
Just like some Northwest Mountie
Compares the speaker to a Northwest Mountie, known for their dedication and perseverance.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Recalls the sound of the men working on the chain gang, bringing back the initial theme.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Reiterates the familiar sound of men laboring on the chain gang.
All day long they work so hard till the sun is goin' down
Restates the strenuous nature of the men's work until sunset.
Working on the highways and byways and wearin', wearin' a frown
Specifies the type of work and the wearisome expression of the chain gang.
Hear them moanin' their lives away
Expresses the men's suffering and dissatisfaction with their lives.
Then you hear somebody say
Introduces an observer's comment on the sound of the chain gang.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Reaffirms the representation of the men diligently working on the chain gang.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Repeats the declaration of the sound as a symbol of the men's labor.
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
Concludes the song by reiterating the sound of the men working on the chain gang.
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