Chain Gang

by Sam Cooke
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Lyrics

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

I hear some thing say ing...

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Ha.

Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long, they’re sing ing...

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Huh.

Ha.

Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long, they (Em)work so hard ’til the (C)sun is go ing (D)down.

Work ing on the (Em)high ways and by ways and wear ing, wear ing (D)a frown.

You hear them moan ing their (Em)lives a way, then you hear (D)some bod y say.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

Can’t you hear them sing ing, “Hmm,

I’m go ing home one of (C)these days, I’m go ing home.

See my (G)wom an, whom I love so dear, but mean while, I’ve got to (D)work right here.” Well, don’t you (G)know, that’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (G)chain

(Em)gang.

That’s the sound of the (C)men work ing on the (D6)chain

gang.

All day long they’re sing ing...

Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.

Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,

my (D)work is so hard.

Hmm, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my (D)work is so hard.

Give me (G)wa ter, I’m thirs ty, my,

my (D)work is so hard.

Chain Gang by Sam Cooke

1 person has learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of G at 132 BPM. Difficulty: medium. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Chain Gang

What key is "Chain Gang" in?
"Chain Gang" by Sam Cooke is in the key of G with a tempo of 132 BPM. Difficulty: medium.
Is "Chain Gang" easy to play on piano?
This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.
Can I play "Chain Gang" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Chain Gang"?
This arrangement of "Chain Gang" uses 5 chords: C, D, D6, Em, G.
How long does it take to learn "Chain Gang" on piano?
2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.
What other songs by Sam Cooke can I play here?
Try "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME", "YOU SEND ME", "I'LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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