About The Song
“Chain Gang” was released as a single on July 26, 1960, it became one of Sam Cooke’s most significant hits after departing Keen Records for RCA Victor. It reached number two on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B Sides chart. Became a top ten hit, peaking at number nine on the UK Singles Chart. This was Sam Cooke’s first top-ten single in the UK.
“Chain Gang” sheds light on the struggles of prisoners working on chain gangs, depicting their harsh reality through poignant lyrics and a soulful melody. The song portrays men toiling under the scorching sun, building roads, and feeling trapped and unhappy about their situation.