Workin' Man's Ph.D
Aaron Tippin Lyrics


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You get up every morning 'fore the sun comes up
Toss a lunch box into a pickup truck
A long hard day sure ain't much fun
But you got to get it started if you want to get it done.
You set your mind and roll up your sleeves
You're workin' on a Working Man's Ph.D.

With your heart and your hands and the sweat on your brow
You build the things that really make the world go 'round
If it works, if it runs, if it lasts for years
You can bet your bottom dollar it was made right here
With pride and honor and dignity
From a man with a Working Man's Ph.D.

Now, there ain't no shame in a job well done
From driving a nail to driving a truck
As a matter of fact, I'd like to set things straight
A few more people should be pullin' their weight
If you want a cram course in reality
You get yourself a Working Man's Ph.D.

When the quittin' whistle blows and the dust settles down
There ain't no trophies or cheering crowds
You'll face yourself at the end of the day
And be damned proud of whatever you've made
Can't hang it on the wall for the world to see
But you've got yourself a Working Man's Ph.D.

Now, there ain't no shame in a job well done
From driving a nail to driving a truck
As a matter of fact, I'd like to set things straight
A few more people should be pullin' their weight




If you want a cram course in reality
You get yourself a Working Man's Ph.D.

Overall Meaning

The song "Workin' Man's Ph.D" by Aaron Tippin is an ode to the hard-working men and women who wake up every day before the sun comes up and head off to work. The lyrics describe the everyday life of a blue-collar worker who puts in long, hard days of physical labor, but takes pride in the work they do. The song is a celebration of the simple, honest way of life that many people still embrace.


The song describes the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance. The workers' hands, sweat and determination is what they consider their 'Ph.D.' It is not about the degree they earn, but about the skills they acquire with hands-on experience. The song indicates that whether it is a construction worker, a factory worker or truck driver – every job deserves the same respect and admiration because those workers are the backbone of the nation.


The song also points out that not everyone may appreciate the hard work done by blue-collar workers. The song reminds listeners that people should take pride in their work, regardless of how society may perceive it. The ultimate reward is not the trophies, accolades or recognition of others, but the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a job well done.


Line by Line Meaning

You get up every morning 'fore the sun comes up
You rise early each day, before the sun has risen


Toss a lunch box into a pickup truck
You pack your lunch and place it in your truck


A long hard day sure ain't much fun
The work is difficult and not enjoyable


But you got to get it started if you want to get it done.
To finish the task, you must first begin


You set your mind and roll up your sleeves
You prepare mentally and physically for the work ahead


You're workin' on a Working Man's Ph.D.
You are pursuing an education in hard work and dedication


With your heart and your hands and the sweat on your brow
You put forth effort and passion, as evidenced by the sweat on your forehead


You build the things that really make the world go 'round
You construct the important elements that keep society functioning


If it works, if it runs, if it lasts for years
If the product is successful, operational, and enduring


You can bet your bottom dollar it was made right here
You can be confident that it was produced with pride in your own country


With pride and honor and dignity
With the knowledge that the work is valuable and respectable


From a man with a Working Man's Ph.D.
From someone who has dedicated themselves to hard work and self-improvement


Now, there ain't no shame in a job well done
There is no embarrassment in doing a task with excellence


From driving a nail to driving a truck
From a simple and manual task to a complex and specialized one


As a matter of fact, I'd like to set things straight
In fact, I would like to clarify my opinion


A few more people should be pullin' their weight
More individuals need to contribute their fair share


If you want a cram course in reality
If you want to experience and learn about real life


You get yourself a Working Man's Ph.D.
You engage in hard work and pursue a better version of yourself


When the quittin' whistle blows and the dust settles down
At the end of the work day, when everything comes to a close


There ain't no trophies or cheering crowds
There are no awards or enthusiastic supporters


You'll face yourself at the end of the day
You hold yourself accountable and evaluate your own performance


And be damned proud of whatever you've made
You feel confident and pleased with the result of your work


Can't hang it on the wall for the world to see
Although the outcome is impressive, it is not tangible or publicly displayed


But you've got yourself a Working Man's Ph.D.
However, you have gained valuable knowledge and experience through hard work




Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: BOYD, DOUGLAS, TIPPIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michaelvrooman5681

Semi-Truck / Trailer mechanic for over 35 years. Stiff, sore, tired of the B.S. but i still outproduce any 25 year old spoiled kid i've worked with. When my trucks hit the road, the owner knows i did it right ! Workin mans P.H.D. !!

@orionhumberger8648

Crushed my spine hauling steel... Got mine 🧾

@michaelpark802

Damn right brother screw this new generation

@MuddyBubby

Show the 25 year old how you do it, and maybe the young workers won't be so bad. I understand some don't give a shit and just want to show up to work to get money instead of work, but as someone who's starting out, and wanting to learn more about my trade, I ain't got time for snobby old timers who won't share information but wanna complain about the help quality!

@dorenebonczkiewicz8698

You go kick ass

@dorenebonczkiewicz8698

Go for old timers yes some young people do wanna learn just gotta be taught .

28 More Replies...

@mean45acp

Aaron is one of the NICEST PEOPLE I have ever met!!! I first met him during his USO tour BEFORE his first album was released while serving in OPERATION DESERT STORM.
Since then I have run into Aaron more times than I can count, literally. I have shared many meals with him and a few with his son. He is EXTREMELY approachable and always takes time to meet people, shake hands, sign autographs, take pictures, and pray with any who ask.
After I got out of the Marine Corps and started trucking I ran into Aaron at Mont Eagle Truck Stop. I was taking a quick break on a rainy, foggy night/morning. Aaron and a bunch of country stars came into the restaurant. There were 6 people in the place before they came in. When I saw him I smiled a little remembering the concert he did for the troops. He walked right up to me, put his hand out, and said "Glad to see you made it home alright.".
I asked him if he k e who I was or if he was saying that because of my haircut. He told he EXACTLY where and when he met me and basically what we said to one another. I was floored. Then Aaron called the others over to personally introduce them to me.
I hauled cars for a living. Almost 20 years, and met a hell of a lot of celebrities over those years. Some were polite, some nice, some friendly, many were assholes.
Talk shit about him and you are doing a disservice. The man is TRULY DOWN HOME. His former jobs run a gambit most would hate, but all were hard work. They include welder, coal miner, truck driver, dock worker, commercial pilot, and many more. He loved singing in a band with his buddies, and fortunately it paid off for him.
Don't hate on someone because they are famous AND REAL.!!!!!!

@collinscott2067

This is truly an awesome story

@justinharvey1355

Hard work keeps your feet where it rightly belongs, firm on the ground.

Thank you for your service sir.
*Salutes*🇺🇲

@sheila174

I live about 30 minutes from mont eagle!! I have seen a few celebrities also, but I haven't seen Aaron Tippin.
Thank you for your service!!

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