“Walkin’ Boss,” also written “Walking Boss,” is a traditional song from the world of railroad and labor gangs. The Appalachian musician Clarence Ashley recorded an early version, and the song was carried on by Doc Watson and others.
The song is the voice of a worked-over laborer answering the man who drives the gang. He tells the walking boss that he does not belong to him — that he belongs instead to the steel-driving crew — a small, firm assertion of dignity against the overseer.
Jerry Garcia and David Grisman recorded the song together, drawing on their shared love of old-time and bluegrass music.
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