The Work Song

Back before the blues were blue When the good old songs were new Songs that may no longer please us 'Bout the darkies, about Jesus Mississippi Minstrels, the color of mola*ses Strummin' on their banjos to entertain their ma*sas Some said garbage, some said art You couldn't call it soul You had to call it heart Backs broke, bending, digging holes to plant the seeds The owners ate the cane, and the workers ate the weeds Put wood in the stove and water in the cup You worked so hard that you died standing up When I was a little thing My papa tried to make me sing Home Sweet Home and Aura Lee These are songs that my daddy taught me Camptown Races, and Susanna Don't You Cry Gentle Annie still brings a tear to my eye Label it garbage, label it art You couldn't call it soul You had to call it heart Backs broke, bending, digging holes to plant the seeds The owners ate the cane, and the workers ate the weeds Put wood in the stove and water in the cup You worked so hard that you died standing up Sing me songs 'bout days gone by Make me laugh, make me cry Break my female heart in two Sings me songs that say "I love you" Lower your eyes and raise your hand up to your breast Sing me one about the sun settin' in the west Backs broke, bending, digging holes to plant the seeds The owners ate the cane, and the workers ate the weeds Put wood in the stove and water in the cup You worked so hard that you died standing up