We wake the rooster up to crow

A cup of coffee on the go

It's gonna be a long night

17 degrees and snow

I'm a roughneck hand American

Touching down wells across this land

Break my back in two for my Uncle Sam

Tripping wet pipe 'til the sun goes down

A through and through solid blue, dirty-collared man

I'm a roughneck hand

600 miles away from home

You're waitin' by the telephone

Will she even call tonight?

Prayin' to God that she's alone

But I keep on, gotta keep strong 'cause

I'm a roughneck hand American

Touching down wells across this land

Break my back in two for my Uncle Sam

Tripping wet pipe 'til the sun goes down

A through and through solid blue, dirty-collared man

I'm a roughneck hand

I'm a roughneck hand

That old, black gold payroll sure comes with a heavy cost

I'm gonna give my family everything, and I'm gonna have to miss it all

I'm a roughneck hand American

Touching down wells across this land

Break my back in two for my Uncle Sam

Racking back pipe 'til the sun goes down

A through and through solid blue, dirty-collared man

Trading my days to keep my family fed

I'm a roughneck hand

I'm a roughneck hand