Breaking up big rocks on a chain gang (hah) Breaking rocks and servin' my time (hah) Breaking rocks I share on a chain gang (hah) 'Cause I've been convicted of crime (hah) Hold it steady right there while I hit it (hah) Well, I reckon that ought to get it I've been working And working But I still got so terrible long to go Heard the judge say, "Five years, hard labor On the chain gang you're gonna go" Heard the judge say, "Five years, hard labor" Heard my woman scream, "Oh-ho, Lordy no" Hold it steady right there while I hit it Great God Almighty, that ought to get it I've been working Lord knows, I'm working But I still got so terrible long to go Wanna see my sweet honey baby Wanna break this chain off and run Wanna lay down somewhere shady Lord, it sure is hot in this sun Hold it steady right there while I hit it, hah Great God Almighty, that ought to get it I've been working Lord knows, I'm working But, I still got so terrible long to go Mhmm But I still got so terrible long to go