Alabama Shakes

Released: November 1, 2013

Songwriter: Oscar Brown Jr. Max Roach

Producer: Jimmy Nutt

Driva man, he made a life
But the Mamie ain't his wife
Choppin' cotton, don't be slow
Better finish out your row
Keep a-movin' with that plow
Driva man'll show yer how
Get to work and root that stump
Driva man'll make you jump
Better make your hammer ring
Driva man'll start to swing
Ain't but two things on my mind
Driva man and quittin' time

Driva man the kinda boss
Ride a man and lead a horse
When his cat o' nine tail fly
You'd be happy just to die
Run away and you'll be found
By his big old red bone hound
Pateroller, bring ya back
Make ya sorry you is Black
Driva man he made a life
But the Mamie ain't his wife
Ain't but two things on my mind
Driva man and quittin' time

[Instrumental break]

Driva man the kinda boss
Ride a man and lead a horse
When his cat o' nine tail fly
You'd be happy just to die
Runaway and you'll be found
By his big old red bone hound
Pateroller, bring ya back
Make ya sorry you is black
Driva man he made a life
But the Mamie ain't his wife
Ain't but two things on my mind
Driva man and quittin' time

Alabama Shakes is a rock band, known for their soulful, mid-20th century rhythm and blues sounding music.

The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard, bassist Zac Cockrell, backing vocalist and rhythm guitarist Heath Fogg, and and backing vocalist and drummer Steve Johnson.

Formed in 2009, they have since released two albums, Boys & Girls and Sound & Color, as well as several singles, such as “Always Alright” and “Hold On”.

more tracks from the album

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)

From the album

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) (2013)

Alabama Shakes popular songs

Driva ManAlabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)