Story Behind The Song
A long term marriage where one spouse refuses to help the family financially. The dependent spouse lives the high-life while the other must grind away at work while also taking care of the family.
Song Description
A classic Chicago blues quartet. This is frustrated slow blues, asking the question of when is enough, enough, when should a person leave when they are being taken advantage of?
| Song Length |
4:23 |
Genre |
Blues - Chicago, Blues - General |
| Tempo |
Very Slow (Under 70) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Outraged, Mad |
Subject |
Frustration, Divorce |
| Similar Artists |
Robert Cray |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1950 - 1959 |
| |
Lyrics
12 Long Years
Words Bernie Gilbert & Brook Schoenfield
Music Brook Schoenfield © 2003
Have you ever slaved for somebody?
Tried to please her day and night?
Have you ever slaved for somebody?
Tried to please her day and night?
I worked 12 years for that woman,
And she just never treat me right.
She was living the good life,
And she gave me all her bills
If she had her way,
I'd be sweating for her still
Have you ever slaved for somebody?
Tried to please her day and night?
I worked 12 years for that woman,
And she just never treat me right.
No matter what I did,
She wanted more and more
One day I'd had enough,
I walked on out that door
Have you ever slaved for somebody?
Tried to please her day and night?
Gave my best years to that woman,
And she just never treat me right.
I think I've learned my lesson,
Now listen to what I say.
Next time I fall for a woman
Who can pay her own (damn) way
Have you ever slaved for somebody?
Tried to please her day and night?
I worked 12 years for that woman,
And she just never treat me right.