About The Song
“Chain Gang” is a classic rhythm and blues song by Sam Cooke, released in 1960. The song tells the story of the hardships faced by prisoners working on a chain gang. Here are some details about the song:
Title: Chain Gang
Artist: Sam Cooke
Release Date: July 26, 1960
Album: Single release, later included in the album “Hit Kit”
Label: RCA Victor
Writer: Sam Cooke
Genre: Rhythm and Blues, Soul
Background: “Chain Gang” was written and recorded by Sam Cooke, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations. The song vividly depicts the challenging and dehumanizing conditions of a chain gang, where prisoners work together in a line, often under harsh circumstances.
Musical Style: The song features a compelling rhythm and blues arrangement with a distinctive percussion beat, reflecting the laborious nature of the work being described. Sam Cooke’s soulful and emotive vocals convey the pain and resilience of those enduring life on a chain gang.
Chart Performance: “Chain Gang” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the R&B chart. Its chart success helped solidify Sam Cooke’s reputation as a versatile and influential artist.
Legacy: “Chain Gang” is regarded as one of Sam Cooke’s signature songs and a classic in the R&B and soul genres. Its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various compilations and retrospectives of Cooke’s work.
Cultural Impact: The song’s themes of social justice and empathy for those facing adversity resonated with audiences, and “Chain Gang” became an anthem for those advocating for civil rights and prison reform. It has been covered by numerous artists across different genres.
Awards: While “Chain Gang” did not receive major music awards, its impact on the charts and its lasting legacy have contributed to its recognition as one of the standout tracks in Sam Cooke’s discography.
“Chain Gang” remains a poignant and influential piece in the history of R&B and soul music. Sam Cooke’s powerful storytelling and emotional delivery in this song continue to evoke empathy and understanding for those facing hardships, making it a timeless classic.
Video
Lyrics
“Chain Gang”
(Hoh! Ah!) I hear something saying (Hoh! Ah!)
(Hoh! Ah!)(Well don’t you know)
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, ga-ang
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, gang
All day long they’re singing (Hoh! Ah!)
(Well don’t you know)
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, ga-ang
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 highways and byways and wearing, wearing a frown
You hear they moaning their lives away
Then you hear somebody say
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, ga-ang
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, gang
Can’t you hear them singing, mmm (Hoh! Ah!)
I’m going home one of these days
I’m going home, see my woman
Whom I love so dear
But meanwhile I gotta work right here
(Well don’t you know)
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, ga-ang
That’s the sound of the men,
Working on the chain, gang
All day long they’re singing, mmm (Hoh! Ah!)
My work is so hard
Give me water
I’m thirsty, my work is so hard
Woah ooo
My work is so hard