Working for the Fatman
Slave to Shadows: The Daily Grind Up on the Hill
Lyrics
every day is a Monday
Every day feels like a Monday.
in the house up on the hill
Refers to a house on a hill, possibly belonging to someone influential or wealthy.
they're taking out the windows
Windows are being removed, suggesting change or loss of openness.
but we're working up there still
Despite changes, people continue to work in that house.
till the sun goes down
Work continues until the end of the day.
you can hear the wheels go round
Symbolizes the ongoing, relentless nature of work.
and I'll slave away
The narrator is working hard.
saving all I can
Working diligently to save money.
till then I'm working
Expresses the dedication to work until a specific goal is achieved.
working for the fat man
The narrator is working for someone wealthy or influential (the "fat man").
looking out the window
Contemplating dreams while looking out the window.
as I dream any colored dreams
Dreams have various colors, indicating diversity and imagination.
swaying to the rhythm
Moving to the rhythm created by the machines at work.
of the sound of the machines
Illustrates the impact of the industrial environment on personal experiences.
till the sun goes down
Work continues until sunset.
you can hear the wheels go round
Emphasizes the ongoing nature of work.
between you and me
A personal reflection on enduring hardships.
I've taken all I can
The narrator has endured a lot but continues working.
but I'm still working
Despite challenges, the narrator persists in working for the "fat man."
working for the fat man
I'm never going to work
The narrator vows not to work for the "fat man" again.
I'm never going to work for that fat man again
Strong determination to break free from working for the wealthy.
but I'm stuck on the line
Feeling stuck in a routine until reaching the age of 65.
stuck on the line till I'm sixty-five
Emphasizes the monotony and long-term commitment to work.
hey look out jack
A warning to be cautious, possibly addressed to a colleague ("Jack").
going to break your back
Describes the physical toll of hard labor.
and your face will sag
Highlights the harsh effects on appearance.
and your bones will crack
Emphasizes the impact on the body's integrity.
till they send you down
Anticipating consequences and potential imprisonment.
for a couple of years
Suggests a bleak future in a place called "shadow town."
in shadow town
living without breathing
Life without enjoyment or fulfillment.
isn't everything it seems
Contrasting the harsh reality with appearances.
swaying to the rhythm
Continuing to move to the rhythm of the industrial environment.
of the sound of machines
Repetition of the impact of machines on personal experiences.
till the sun goes down
The work continues until the end of the day.
you can hear the wheels go round
Reiterating the ongoing nature of labor.
and I'll slave away
Hard work and dedication to saving money.
saving all that I can
Despite challenges, the narrator continues to save diligently.
till then I'm working
Reiterating the commitment to work until a specific goal is achieved.
working for the fat man
The narrator remains employed by the wealthy individual.
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