Lyrics
I been workin' all my life tryin' to beat the company clock
I've been working all my life, trying to outpace the demands of the company's schedule.
In a Louisiana gravel pit, breakin' up rock
In a Louisiana gravel pit, I'm engaged in the physically demanding task of breaking up rocks.
My baby's had enough, she's packin' up and leavin'
My partner has reached a breaking point; she's leaving because she believes I'm working excessively for the benefit of the employer.
She says you're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
She attributes the relationship strain to me working for the employer without gaining any personal benefits.
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Reiterating the notion of working for the man without achieving a personal gain or advantage.
Jackhammer Jimmy said to Shallowwater Slim
Jackhammer Jimmy advises Shallowwater Slim that if he encounters Doctor Danny, he should communicate with him.
If you see Doctor Danny then you better talk to him
Emphasizing the importance of seeking advice or guidance, possibly from someone experienced or knowledgeable.
Life's too short to be sittin' 'round grievin'
Life is too short to be mired in sorrow; one should avoid prolonged periods of grief.
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Reiterating the idea that working for the man should result in a fair exchange, but it currently isn't.
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Continuing the emphasis on the imbalance between effort expended and rewards received while working for the man.
Breakin' up rock, breakin' up rock
Repetition of the physically demanding task of breaking up rocks as part of the job.
Working for the man on the company clock
Working for the employer on their time, breaking up rocks as part of the job.
Breakin' up rock, got everyone believin'
Breaking up rocks has convinced everyone that you're working for the man, but it's not resulting in a fair outcome.
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Reiterating the theme of working for the man without achieving a fair return.
My daddy tried to tell me when I was just a kid
The speaker's father warned against working in harsh conditions, like he did in the gravel pit.
"Don't work in the pit like your poor ol' daddy did"
Reflecting on parental advice to avoid the difficult and unrewarding work experienced by the father.
Some days you sit and wonder what it is that you're achievin'
Expressing contemplation about the purpose and outcomes of the current labor; questioning the achievements.
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Highlighting the dissatisfaction of working for the man without achieving a fair exchange.
Workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Reiterating the dissatisfaction and lack of balance in working for the man.
Breakin up rock, breakin up rock
Repetition of the physically demanding task of breaking up rocks in the context of work.
Working for the man on the company clock
Working for the employer on their time, engaged in the task of breaking up rocks.
Breakin' up rock, got everyone believin'
Breaking up rocks has convinced everyone that you're working for the man, but it's not resulting in a fair outcome.
You're workin' for the man and you ain't breakin' even
Reiterating the theme of working for the man without achieving a fair return.
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