The song "Let It Rock" by Dave Edmunds tells the story of a day in the life of railroad workers in Mobile, Alabama. The lyrics depict the hard work and struggles of the workers as they try to make money and escape their troubles. In the heat of the day, the protagonist is working on the railroad, using a steel-driving hammer. He needs to earn money to buy new shoes and find someone to help him forget his blues. The line "She don't love me" suggests a troubled romantic relationship. As the day progresses, the sun starts to sink low. The protagonist has been waiting for the whistle to blow to signal the end of the workday. He is sitting in a teepee, a temporary shelter, built right on the tracks. While waiting, he and his colleagues pass the time by gambling, rolling dice until the foreman returns. When the whistle finally blows, chaos ensues. Everyone scrambles to gather their belongings and collect their pay. The foreman is panicking, trying to get the workers out of harm's way as an off-schedule train approaches, just two miles away. Despite the foreman's efforts, the train cannot be stopped. The engineer blows the whistle loudly, indicating that the train must be allowed to roll on, unable to avoid the workers. "Let It Rock" is essentially a snapshot of the trials and tribulations faced by blue-collar workers in a grueling and dangerous industry. It emphasizes the powerlessness and vulnerability of the workers while also highlighting their resilience and determination to survive.
