Working on the Railroad Line

Paul D was on a chain-gang in Georgia busting rocks by the railroad tracks. During his time there, he picked up many working songs. The songs were sung by the workers in order to dull the monotony of the work. He claims that his song is too loud and full of power. He sings,
"Lay my head on the railroad line,
Train come along, pacify my mind.
If I had my weight in lime,
I'd whip my captain till he went stone blind."
Paul D's song demonstrate the hard life that the working man must experience. He speaks about whipping his captain "till he went stone blind." This demonstrates the extreme conflict between the middle and upper class against the lower classes. Paul D is a demonstration of the most direct and dysfunctional society that exists. When the proletariat is subjugated by the bourgeoisie and there is no sign of change. Paul D needs to be strong within his class in order to stand up against his oppressors. This disparity is an exact example of the failures of capitalist society and the need for a system that allows the lower class to defend themselves against the oppression and dominance of the upper class.

The song asks that he have his weight in lime. This comes from the limestone that they are breaking. Paul D wants to be strong and sturdy like limestone in order to be able to fight against his captain. Paul D needs the strength because the government and socitey he is in does not give him the social or legal power to be strong. Instead he needs to be strong physically in order to be able to stand up for himself and his people. This exposes the immense problems in the system and the need for improvement.