Work song

A work song is a typically rhythmic song sung by persons who are working in likely mundane conditions. The work song is probably intended to reduce feelings of boredom and to increase feelings of euphoria. Rhythms of work songs also serve to synchronize physical movement in a gang.

The origin of many American work songs comes from the African slaves.

See also: musical genre, Sea shanty

Samples

• of “Dollar Mamie”, a work song for hoeing from the Library of Congress' ''John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern

• A sample work song
• "Shuck That Corn Before You Eat" Work Song