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Worksong

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

This is another Nina Simone Song from the "High Priestess of Soul" album recently used 
in a TV advert as most great songs eventually are. Nat Adderley whilst a Jazz legend in
his own right, was Cannonball Adderley's brother.
All verses apart from the extension on the last one are the same. There is a little riff 
before the Ams at the start of the verses (a bit like the "Hootchie Coochie Man" riff),
and extensive uses of stops on each line until Been Workin' an' Workin' which swings free.
[Verse 1]
Worksong (Oscar Brown Jr, Nat Adderley)
AmBreaking rocks out here on the chain gang
AmBreaking rocks and serving my time
AmBreaking rocks out here on the chain gang
E7Because they done convicted me of crime.
AmHold it steady right there while I hit it
AmWell I reckon that ought to get it
BeeAmn Working aD7nd working
But B7I still E7got so terribly Amfar to go
[Verse 2]
AmI committed crime Lord I needed
AmCrime of being hungry and poor
AmI left the grocery store man bleeding 
E7When they caught me robbing his store.
AmHold it steady right there while I hit it
AmWell I reckon that ought to get it
Been AmWorking and D7working
But I B7still got so teE7rribly far Amto go.
[Verse 3]
AmI heard the judge say five years
AmOn chain-gang you gonna go
AmI heard the judge say five years labor
E7I heard my old man scream "Lordy, no!"
AmHold it right there while I hit it
AmWell I reckon that ought to get it
Been AmWorking and D7working
But I B7still got so teE7rribly far Amto go.
[Verse 4]
AmGonna see my sweet honey bee
AmGonna break this chain off to run
AmGonna lay down somewhere shady
E7Lord I sure am hot in the sun
AmHold it right there while I hit it
AmWell I reckon that ought to get it
Been WAmorkin' and D7workin'
Been WoAmrkin' and sD7lavin'
An' WorAmkin' and woD7rkin'
But I stE7ill got so terribly faAmr to goE7  

All chords in this song (4)

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Worksong

by Nina Simone

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

This is another Nina Simone Song from the "High Priestess of Soul" album recently used

in a TV advert as most great songs eventually are. Nat Adderley whilst a Jazz legend in

his own right, was Cannonball Adderley's brother.

All verses apart from the extension on the last one are the same. There is a little riff

before the Ams at the start of the verses (a bit like the "Hootchie Coochie Man" riff),

and extensive uses of stops on each line until Been Workin' an' Workin' which swings free.

[Verse 1]

Worksong (Oscar Brown Jr, Nat Adderley)

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

Breaking rocks and serving my time

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang

Because they done convicted me of crime.

Hold it steady right there while I hit it

Well I reckon that ought to get it

Am D7

Been Working and working

B7 E7 Am

But I still got so terribly far to go

[Verse 2]

I committed crime Lord I needed

Crime of being hungry and poor

I left the grocery store man bleeding

When they caught me robbing his store.

Hold it steady right there while I hit it

Well I reckon that ought to get it

Am D7

Been Working and working

B7 E7 Am

But I still got so terribly far to go.

[Verse 3]

I heard the judge say five years

On chain-gang you gonna go

I heard the judge say five years labor

I heard my old man scream "Lordy, no!"

Hold it right there while I hit it

Well I reckon that ought to get it

Am D7

Been Working and working

B7 E7 Am

But I still got so terribly far to go.

[Verse 4]

Gonna see my sweet honey bee

Gonna break this chain off to run

Gonna lay down somewhere shady

Lord I sure am hot in the sun

Hold it right there while I hit it

Well I reckon that ought to get it

Am D7

Been Workin' and workin'

Am D7

Been Workin' and slavin'

Am D7

An' Workin' and workin'

E7 Am E7

But I still got so terribly far to go

About Worksong Chords by Nina Simone

Learn how to play Worksong by Nina Simone with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Worksong chords”, “Worksong guitar chords”, or “Nina Simone Worksong chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Worksong chords and for experienced players who want accurate Worksong lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, E7, D7, B7.

FAQ — Worksong by Nina Simone

How do I play "Worksong" by Nina Simone on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Worksong" by Nina Simone on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Worksong" by Nina Simone free?

Yes. The chords for "Worksong" by Nina Simone are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Worksong" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Worksong" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Worksong"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Worksong" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Worksong" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Worksong" by Nina Simone with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Nina Simone below.

What key is "Worksong" in?

The chords for "Worksong" show the original chord names (including Am, E7, D7, B7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.