Chain Gang

Written By: Sam Cooke and Charles Cooke    [Abkco Music Ltd. 1960]

Studio Version

Recorded January 25, 1960 in RCA Studio A in New York

Information    

Produced by: Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore

Orchestra Conducted By: Glenn Osser

Billboard Review: Cooke has been hot with "Wonderful World" on his former label, and the new Victor coupling can move him right up again. "Chain Gang" is a smart, rhythmic side that can go (August 1, 1960)

Charts    

EP's   

Singles    

Albums:    

Live Version

Albums: 

Lyrics    /    Chords

(hooh! aah!) 4x

(Well, don't you know)
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang

All day long they're singing (hooh! aah! 4x)

(Well, don't you know)
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang

All day long they work so hard
'till the sun is going down
Working on the highway and byways
and wearing, wearing a frown
You hear them moaning their live away
Then you hear somebody say

That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang

Can't you hear them saying
Mm, I'm going home one of these days
I'm going home see my woman
Whom I love so dear
But meanwhile I got to work right here

(Well, don't you know)
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang
That's the sound of the men working on the chain gang

All day long they're singing
my, my, my, my, my , my, my work is so hard
Give me water, I'm thirsty

FADE
My work is so hard

Covered By:

  1. The Chaperals    ---    a capella
  2. Jim Croce**        
  3. Rick Danko    
  4. Winston Francis    ---    reggea
  5. Ted Hawkins    ---    acoustic
  6. King Curtis    ---    sax instrumental
  7. Ladysmith Black Mombasa  
  8. The Nylons    
  9. Vel Omarr    -    on 'Here's My Soul'
  10. Lou Rawls
  11. Otis Redding  
  12. Robert Reich    
  13. Showaddywaddy  
  14. The Supremes        -     they had to change the lyrics somewhat on the "We Remember Sam Cooke" album
  15. Howard Tate   
  16. Texas Chainsaw Orchestra*    ---    industrial version with chainsaw sounds
  17. Jackie Wilson