The Work Song
Composer(s): Kate McGarrigle
Performer(s): Maria Muldaur



Back before the blues were blues
When the good old songs were new
Songs that may no longer please us
'Bout the darkies, A-bout Jesus
Mississippi minstrels, the color of molasses
Strumming on their banjos to entertain their massahs
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 mud in the stove and water in the cup
You work so hard you died standing up