Working In A Coal Mine

Devo's rendition of 'Working In A Coal Mine' captures the relentless and grueling nature of manual labor, particularly in the coal mining industry. The repetitive lyrics and rhythmic structure of the song mirror the monotonous and exhausting routine faced by coal miners. The phrase 'Goin' down down' symbolizes the physical descent into the mine, but it also metaphorically represents the emotional and mental toll of such demanding work. The constant repetition of 'Whew about to slip down' emphasizes the precarious and dangerous conditions miners endure daily.

The song's narrative is set against the backdrop of early mornings and long hours, as highlighted by the lines 'Five o'clock in the mornin', I'm up before the sun.' This imagery paints a vivid picture of the miner's life, where the workday starts before dawn and ends with the worker too exhausted to enjoy any leisure time. The lyrics 'When my work day is over, I'm too tired for havin' fun' poignantly express the sacrifice of personal joy and relaxation due to the overwhelming fatigue from labor.

Devo's choice to cover this song, originally by Allen Toussaint, aligns with their new wave and post-punk ethos, often characterized by a critique of societal norms and industrialization. The repeated plea 'Lord I am so tired, How long can this go on?' serves as a powerful commentary on the unsustainable nature of such labor-intensive jobs. It questions the human cost of industrial progress and the exploitation of workers. Through this song, Devo not only pays homage to the struggles of coal miners but also invites listeners to reflect on the broader implications of labor and the need for better working conditions and work-life balance.