[Intro: Heavy surface crackle, the rhythmic "clink-clink-ping" of a slide on metal strings, a deep weary moan, the first heavy "thump" of the labor rhythm begins] [Verse 1: Deep field-holler vocals, rhythmic and powerful] Hammer ringing [Huh!], sweat pouring down my back Boss man yelling [Huh!], got a whip in his hand crack Leg irons dragging [Huh!] but my mind’s on the run Gonna bust these chains [Huh!] before the setting sun [Chorus: High-energy rhythmic shout, metallic guitar accents] Break ‘em, break ‘em, faster than the guard can see Break ‘em, break ‘em, set this prisoner free Hammer falling, heart pounding in my chest Chain gang boogie gonna pass the test! [Verse 2: Guitar mimics the sound of labor, sharp percussive clinks] Midnight train whistling [Huh!] somewhere down the line If I move quick enough [Huh!] they won’t catch me this time Blood on the shovel [Huh!], dirt in my eyes Freedom’s calling louder [Huh!] than their lies [Bridge: Shouted, music stays in a heavy, repetitive labor drone] One more swing! [Huh!] One more link! [Huh!] One more chance to fly! [Final Chorus: Maximum volume, frantic rhythmic "clinking" and shouting] Break ‘em, break ‘em, till the iron hits the ground Break ‘em, break ‘em, hear that freedom sound Faster, meaner, wilder than before Chain gang boogie, I ain’t here no more! [Outro: Three final heavy hammer-thumps on the guitar body, a long metallic slide "ping," fading into thick wax-cylinder crackle and the sound of distant barking dogs]
