Lyrics:

Breaking up big rocks on the chain gang
Breaking rocks and serving my time
Breaking up big rocks on the chain gang
'Cause I been convicted of crime
Well, hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But I still got some time before I go
I committed a crime, Lord, I need it
Crime of being hungry and poor
Left the grocery store man bleeding
When he caught me robbing his store
Well, hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But I still got some time before I go

Heard the judge say, "Five years of labor
On the chain gang you gotta go"
Yes, the judge say, "Five years of labor"
Heard my woman scream loud and low
Well, hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But I still got some time before I go
I wanna see my sweet honey baby
I wanna take these chains off and run
I wanna lay down somewhere shady
Lord, it sure is hot in the sun
Well, hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well, I reckon that ought to get it
Been working and working
But I still got some time before I go
Breaking up big rocks on the chain gang!

Yeah, Georgie Flame and the Blue Flames there. Nat
Adderley's work song. Getting steamed up here now, so a
Reminder about Coca-Colas, orange drinks, hamburgers
Hot dogs on the right-hand side. Spend your money, please!