"Chain Gang" is a 1955 song written by Sol Quasha and Herb Yakus. In 1956, a recording by American singer Bobby Scott reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100, whilst a version by English singer Jimmy Young peaked at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. A work song, its chart success followed that of the similarly themed "Sixteen Tons", a transatlantic number one for Tennessee Ernie Ford.