Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Nina Simone
Canonical path: /nina-simone/work-song
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
Work Song
Read Work Song lyrics by Nina Simone on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Work Song
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Breaking rocks and serving my time
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Because they done convicted me of crime
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go
I commited crime lord I needed
Crime of being hungry and poor
I left the grocery store man bleeding (breathing?)
When they caught me robbing his store
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go
I heard the judge say, "Five years"
On chain-gang you gonna go
I heard the judge say five years labor
I heard my old man scream, "Lordy, no!"
Hold it right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go
Gonna see my sweet honey bee
Gonna break this chain off to run
Gonna lay down somewhere shady
Lord I sure am hot in the sun
Hold it right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Workin' and workin'
Been
Workin' and slavin'
An'
Workin' and workin'
But I still got so terribly far to go
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Work Song"?
Nina Simone performs "Work Song", and this lyric page sits inside the Nina Simone catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Work Song"?
Yes. The related section below points to Alone Again (Naturally) and Angel Of The Morning with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Nina Simone?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Nina Simone's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Work Song yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.