Gandy dancer is a slang term for workers who maintained railroads in North America. For each stroke, a worker would lift his gandy (a long handled tool) and force it into the ballast to create a fulcrum, then throw himself sideways using the gandy to check his full weight (making the "huh" sound recorded in the lyrics below) so the gandy would push the rail toward the inside of the curve. Even with all impacts from the work crew timed correctly, any progress made in shifting the track would not become visible until after a large number of repetitions.
(source: Wiki)
Rhythm was necessary for this process, both to synchronize the manual labor, and to maintain the morale of workers whose exertions produced only a minuscule effect; hence "gandy dancers". The songs sung in this occupation have been recognized as a major influence on later blues music
(source: Wiki)
Rhythm was necessary for this process, both to synchronize the manual labor, and to maintain the morale of workers whose exertions produced only a minuscule effect; hence "gandy dancers". The songs sung in this occupation have been recognized as a major influence on later blues music
by 'nash October 2, 2009
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The Atlanta Falcons' starting left tackle. He has started more than 200 games in his career. Drafted by the L.A. Rams in 1994, Gandy remained on the team's roster after they moved to St. Louis. Gandy has also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (where he reunited with Jerome Bettis, another former L.A. Ram) and the New Orleans Saints.
The Philadelphia Eagles blundered when they drafted Bernard Williams in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft. 2 picks later, the Los Angeles Rams drafted Wayne Gandy. Williams was eventually banned from the NFL, but Gandy just entered his 14th season.
by Fifi McFeef September 19, 2007
Mississippi Gandy Dancer takes teamwork cus they move heavy metal. Yo Doggs we gots Gandy Dancers in Los Angeles cus we move to dah heavy metal blues man..
by sinbad_duke_of_east_los April 29, 2007