Forty Hour Week
Alabama Lyrics


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There are people in this country who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay
And it's time a few of them were recognized

Hello Detroit auto workers, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line

This is for the one who swings the hammer, driving home the nail
Or the one behind the counter, ringing up the sale
Or the one who fights the fires, the one who brings the mail
For everyone who works behind the scenes

You can see them every morning in the factories and the fields
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
Working together like spokes inside a wheel
They keep this country turning around

Hello Kansas wheat field farmer, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line
Hello West Virginia coal miner, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line

This is for the one who drives the big rig, up and down the road
Or the one out in the warehouse, bringing in the load
Or the waitress, the mechanic, the policeman on patrol
For everyone who works behind the scenes





With a spirit you can't replace with no machine
Hello America let me thank you for your time

Overall Meaning

"Forty Hour Week" by Alabama is a tribute to the hard-working people of America who dedicate themselves to their jobs and their families. The opening lyrics pay homage to those who work tirelessly day after day, not for personal gain, but for the greater good. The song highlights the fact that these individuals are not always given the appreciation they deserve, and it's time they were recognized.


The song goes on to specifically acknowledge workers in various industries, including auto workers in Detroit, steel mill workers in Pittsburgh, farmers in Kansas, and coal miners in West Virginia. It speaks to the collective effort of all those who work "behind the scenes," who are the backbone of the country.


The catchy chorus, "Hello America let me thank you for your time," serves as a unifying message that brings it all together. The song acknowledges the humanity and spirit of these workers that cannot be replaced by machines.


Overall, "Forty Hour Week" is an uplifting tribute that speaks to the importance of hard work and dedication. It recognizes the often-overlooked contributions of everyday people and serves as a reminder that they are the true heart of America.


Line by Line Meaning

There are people in this country who work hard every day
There are individuals in this nation who endeavor daily with great diligence


Not for fame or fortune do they strive
Their reasons for working hard are not for personal recognition or material gains


But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay
The end result of their hard work is far more valuable than the compensation they receive


And it's time a few of them were recognized
It is about time that these diligent individuals receive the recognition they deserve


Hello Detroit auto workers, let me thank you for your time
Greetings to the auto-industry employees in Detroit; allow me to express my gratitude for your efforts


You work a forty hour week for a livin'
You put in forty hours of work every week to make a living


Just to send it on down the line
In order to send the products or services you've created further down the supply chain


This is for the one who swings the hammer, driving home the nail
This is dedicated to those individuals who diligently use a hammer to drive nails into wood


Or the one behind the counter, ringing up the sale
Or the person behind the register, counting the items that have been purchased


Or the one who fights the fires, the one who brings the mail
Or that individual who works as a firefighter or the one who delivers mail to our doorstep


For everyone who works behind the scenes
This is for all the individuals working in the background, beyond the public eye


You can see them every morning in the factories and the fields
You can witness these individuals daily at work in factories and fields


In the city streets and the quiet country towns
In bustling metropolitan areas as well as serene residential neighborhoods


Working together like spokes inside a wheel
Working in harmony, like the spokes that keep a wheel turning


They keep this country turning around
These individuals contribute to the smooth functionality and progression of this nation


Hello Kansas wheat field farmer, let me thank you for your time
Greetings to the farmer harvesting wheat fields in Kansas; allow me to express my gratitude for your efforts


Hello West Virginia coal miner, let me thank you for your time
Greetings to the coal miner working in West Virginia; allow me to express my gratitude for your efforts


This is for the one who drives the big rig, up and down the road
This is dedicated to those individuals who drive heavy trucks and transport goods


Or the one out in the warehouse, bringing in the load
Or those who work in the warehouse, bringing in shipments of goods


Or the waitress, the mechanic, the policeman on patrol
Or those who work in food service, as mechanics, or those policing the streets


For everyone who works behind the scenes
This is for all the individuals working in the background, beyond the public eye


With a spirit you can't replace with no machine
With a willpower that cannot be replicated by machinery


Hello America let me thank you for your time
Greetings to the people of America; allow me to express my gratitude for your efforts




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Loggins, Don Schlitz, Lisa Miriam Silver

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Brian Henegar

I work in a Call Center for a chain of truck stops. I talk to truckers every day...you guys are our unsung heroes. Thank you for all you do

Stephen P

We need more songs like this on the radio.

Ray Burnett

Amen ,Stephen,not this new craps they have

Patrick Owen

Amen to that

Shawn Snowdeal

Definitely do!!

An Who that Nation rant

@Shawn Snowdeal in fact any radio playing any kind music (iucuding that trash music that kids and teens love) sound play this everyday.

Ford1948

It would be called racist.

20 More Replies...

Ashley Vonier

As a waitress and single mom I want to thank alabama for being the only musician (that I know of) to celebrate and realize how hard we work and how many hours we work a week just to bring home the money to provide

Alicia Andrew

Sammy Kershaw sings a song about hard working women

J Kell

Look up Working Class Heroes by Evil Conduct

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