I was very lucky during the 1990's to be invited to play bass for Chris Cain who was touring Australia for the very first time and needed a pickup band. Chris is regarded by his peers as a giant in blues and it was my good fortune to play, tour and learn from him over many years.
"Hands down my favourite blues player on the scene today. He’s an absolute blinder of a guitarist, with the voice of B.B. King and the chops of Albert King." JOE BONAMASSA - Blues Guitarist.
I can't remember exactly when I got the idea to write "Working On The Chain Gang", but I do know that I was inspired by Chris and his incredible talent and understanding of the Blues. I wanted to write a tune that showcased the guitar and B3, two instruments that Chris played well and that features in many blues tunes.
Working on the Chain Gang started out with nonsense verse lyrics however my chorus lyric was solid; I would sing "Working On The Cain Gang". I thought of writing about my time on the road with Chris Cain but that idea fell flat. I had settled on the music and the groove and just needed a strong. blues worthy story.
The Blues is a genre that encapsulates a distinct feeling; a feeling of loss, hardship and sorrow. For example if you're down on your luck and things seem bad, you'll feel blue; you'll have the blues.
The subject matter of "Working On The Chain Gang" hangs figuratively off the song title. The lyric expands to tell the story of a fella down on his luck, with ever pressing responsibilities and obligations.
Verse 1 sets the tone suggesting the character works like a dog to met his relentless financial responsibilities and obligations as a Father of three while his best friend is sleeping in his ex-wives house.
"Look at me. Do you see the same? Every day seems like yesterday" is the reoccurring pre chorus, suggesting that his bad luck is surreal and can't be normal.
The chorus is the pay off and the title of the track. It conjures up the feeling of enslavery, being chained and made to work.
Verse 2 provides a little respite for the character as the scenes shifts with the whistle blowing and he stands down for the day. The story places the character not in the comfort of his own car but on a bus, alone with his thoughts, reflecting upon his sad situation. He fantasises of a better life. In reality he can't even end it because nis Gas has been cut off.
"Working On The Chain Gang" features the guitars of Jim Kelly, organ by Clayton Doley and a sax solo worth waiting till the end of the song for from David Cox.
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To follow is the lyric in its entirety. I hope my explanation gives you an insight into the story. Please comment and leave your own thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Cheers,
Jeff
Verse 1
Get up Monday - wish it was Saturday.
Trade my life for a dog any day.
Been ten years, all work no play.
Two shifts - three kids to feed.
My best friend meets my ex-wife’s needs.
I can’t lose this ball and chain.Tomorrow comes; do it all again.
Look at me. Do you see the same?
Every day seems like yesterday.
Chorus
Working On The Chain Gang
Feels like I’m Working On The Chain Gang.
Verse 2
Thank God that whistles blown.
I'm on the bus for home.
Huh, ain't got much that I can call my own.
You see, got a notice – Disconnect the Phone.
I gaze at the magazine.
Dream I’m that guy on the jet ski.
Lord knows this can't go on.
Wouldn't be here if the gas was on.
Look at me. Do you see the same?
Every day seems like yesterday.
Chorus
Working On The Chain Gang
Feels like I’m Working On The Chain Gang.
© 1998 Jeff Camilleri. All rights reserved.