Big Boss Man

Jimmy Reed, Pete Townshend

About Big Boss Man

"Big Boss Man" is a blues song first recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1960. Unlike his most popular songs, the songwriting is credited to Luther Dixon and Al Smith. It was a hit for Reed and has been interpreted and recorded by a variety of artists, including Elvis Presley and B. B. King, who had record chart successes with the song.


Year:
2018
2:51
21 
#1

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Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call
Well, you ain't so big, you're just tall, that's all

Got me working, boss man, working 'round the clock
I want me a drink of water, but you won't let Jimmy stop
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Well, you ain't so big, you just tall, that's all

Well, I'm gonna get me a boss man, one gonna treat me right
Work hard in the day time, rest easy at night
Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?
Well, you ain't so big, you're just tall, that's all

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Jimmy Reed

Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed (September 6, 1925 – August 29, 1976) was an American blues musician and songwriter, notable for bringing his distinctive style of blues to mainstream audiences. Reed was a major player in the field of electric blues, as opposed to the more acoustic-based sound of many of his contemporaries. His lazy, slack-jawed singing, piercing harmonica and hypnotic guitar patterns were one of the blues' most easily identifiable sounds in the 1950s and 1960s, and had a significant impact on many rock and roll artists who followed, such as Elvis Presley, Billy Gibbons and the Rolling Stones. more »

2 fans

Written by: JAMES A WILLIAMSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Creator and Release
"Big Boss Man" was originally composed by Luther Dixon and Al Smith, and first performed by the blues artist Jimmy Reed. It was released in 1961.
Elvis Presley's Cover
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, included a cover of "Big Boss Man" in his live repertoire and also recorded a studio version.
Elvis Presley's Release Date
Elvis's studio version of "Big Boss Man" was recorded on September 10, 1967. It was released as a single in 1967 and became a popular hit.
Chart Performance
Elvis's rendition of the song reached number 38 on the Billboard pop singles chart. It also reached number 31 on the UK singles chart.
Album Appearance
Elvis's cover of "Big Boss Man" also appeared on "Clambake", the soundtrack album to his 1967 film by the same name.
Jimmy Reed's Version
Reed's version of "Big Boss Man" is considered a classic blues song and has been included on numerous compilances of his work.
Legacy
Due to its popularity, "Big Boss Man" has been covered by various artists over the years, including internationally renowned bands like The Grateful Dead and The Animals.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2008, Jimmy Reed's version of "Big Boss Man" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, honoring its significant cultural influence.
Elvis's Live Performances
Elvis often included "Big Boss Man" in his live concert set during his performance years in Vegas, much to the pleasure of his fans.
Lyrics Meaning
The song tells the story of a hard-working man who is frustrated with his overbearing boss, a theme which has helped it remain a favorite among listeners who can relate to the sentiment.

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    "Big Boss Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34915389/Jimmy+Reed/Big+Boss+Man>.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1961

    Billboard #78


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