Maya Angelou

Worker's Song

Worker's Song - meaning Summary

Labor as Driving Force

The poem gives a proud, plainspoken voice to a worker whose labor powers modern life. Through bold, repetitive lines and onomatopoeic refrains, the speaker claims responsibility for ships, railroads, cars, planes and factories. The rhythm and repeated Whoppa suggest relentless industry and physical effort, while the closing anticipation of "something coming" hints at expectation or demand for recognition, reward, or change.

Read Complete Analyses

Big ships shudder down to the sea because of me Railroads run on a twinness track 'cause of my back Whoppa, Whoppa Whoppa, Whoppa Cars stretch to a super length 'cause of my strength Planes fly high over seas and lands 'cause of my hands Whoppa, Whoppa Whoppa, Whoppa I wake start the factory humming I work late keep the whole world running and I got something … something coming … coming…. Whoppa Whoppa Whoppa

default user
PoetryVerse just now

Feel free to be first to leave comment.

8/2200 - 0