Jackhammer Blues
Rhythmic Quest: Woody Guthrie's Jackhammer Blues Revels in Work, Love, and the Allure of the Night
Lyrics
Jackhammer Jackhammer
Expression of the sound or rhythm of a jackhammer, possibly metaphorical for a repetitive or tough experience.
Where you been
Asking the jackhammer where it has been, setting a conversational tone.
Been out chasin them
Implying the speaker has been pursuing romantic interests (gals).
Gals again
Reiterating the pursuit of romantic interests, using a colloquial term "Gals."
Ho ho ho Well I got them
Expressing amusement or exclamation before introducing the speaker's situation.
See my woman
Referring to the speaker's woman, suggesting a personal connection.
When the sun goes down
Describing the time the speaker sees their woman, possibly emphasizing a specific time of day.
Grab my hammer
Announcing the speaker's action of grabbing a hammer when the sun goes down.
And go to town
Indicating the speaker's intention to work or engage in an activity using the hammer.
Yes Folks
A simple acknowledgment of the situation or state of affairs.
I got them Jackhammer blues
Expressing a feeling of having the "Jackhammer blues," possibly a metaphor for a challenging or repetitive life situation.
Made every state in the
Claiming to have traveled across the United States.
Red white and blue
Expressing a patriotic sentiment, having been to every state in the U.S.
Looking for a jackhammer job to do
Stating the speaker's purpose of looking for a job involving a jackhammer.
Rise easy
Using the phrase "Rise easy," possibly indicating confidence or a positive outlook.
I got them
Reiterating the feeling of having the "Jackhammer blues."
Jackhammer blues
Confirmation or emphasis on the speaker's emotional state.
Got a Jackhammer woman
Stating the speaker has a woman associated with the jackhammer, suggesting a personal connection.
Just as sweet as pie
Describing the woman as sweet as pie, possibly expressing affection.
Gonna
Beginning a statement about hammering, continuing the metaphor of the jackhammer.
Hammer on the hammer
Expressing determination to continue working with the hammer until death.
Till the day I die
An exclamation or plea for divine intervention related to the speaker's situation.
Lord God have mercy
Reiterating the feeling of having the "Jackhammer blues."
I got them
Confirmation or emphasis on the speaker's emotional state.
Jackhammer Blues
Final confirmation or emphasis on the speaker's emotional state, closing the song.
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