Worksong

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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)
Am
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Am
Breaking rocks and serving my time
Am
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
E7
Because they done convicted me of crime.
Am
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Am
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]
Am
I committed crime Lord I needed
Am
Crime of being hungry and poor
Am
I left the grocery store man bleeding
E7
When they caught me robbing his store.
Am
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Am
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]
Am
I heard the judge say five years
Am
On chain-gang you gonna go
Am
I heard the judge say five years labor
E7
I heard my old man scream "Lordy, no!"
Am
Hold it right there while I hit it
Am
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]
Am
Gonna see my sweet honey bee
Am
Gonna break this chain off to run
Am
Gonna lay down somewhere shady
E7
Lord I sure am hot in the sun
Am
Hold it right there while I hit it
Am
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

Worksong chords and lyrics

Free chords for Worksong by Nina Simone. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

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)
[Verse 2]
[Verse 3]
[Verse 4]

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.

Frequently asked questions about Worksong

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.