[Intro] [Verse 1] ooo... Pick to pick and plow to plow, Workin’ all day with a sweaty brow. Clock on the wall, it don’t wait for me, My gal’s at home with the biscuits and tea.... O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I get some rest or must I hesitate?)... [Verse 2] Hammer to hammer and nail to nail, I’m punchin’ that clock till my body’s frail. Boss man shoutin’ like a bugle call, But my baby at home is the best of all.... [Chorus] O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I lay it down or must I hesitate?).... [Verse 3] Coal to coal and steam to steam, I’m burnin’ my youth on the factory team. Sun comes up and the sun goes down, But a fella needs joy in this old town.... [Chorus] O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I live my life or must I hesitate?)... [Verse 4] Grain to grain and flour to flour, The whistle keeps blowin’ at the break of hour. I’m workin’ for supper, not for gold, And the nights with my darlin’ are worth tenfold..... [Chorus] O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I steal a kiss or must I hesitate?).... [Drop] Yeah Tell me how long must I have to wait?...... (Can I steal a kiss or must I hesitate?)..... [musical interlude] [Bridge] Give me Sundays free, let me sing my song, A man can’t labor, all week long. Time with my darling, time with my kin, What good is the money if I can’t sleep in? ooo... [Verse 5] Brick to brick and stone to stone, Workin’ all day just to pay for a loan. My back is bendin’, my hands are sore, But I’d rather hold her than sweep that floor.... [Chorus] O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I get my share or must I hesitate?).... [Verse 6] Bread to bread and stew to stew, I’m workin’ for a dime while the rent comes due. I’d trade half my wages for a kiss at night, Workin’ too much just don’t feel right..... [Chorus] O tell me how long must I have to wait? (Can I get my peace or must I hesitate?) [Outro] [Spoken word] ....Please tell me how long must I have to wait? ....how long... mmm mm mmm... [musical ending]
