Working Day
Ben Folds / Nick Hornby Lyrics
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I'm as good as them, but don't take it from me
Ask my friends, ask my sister
They all think my stuff is great
Up there with any of them
I just need a break
I'm a genius, really, I'm excellent
All of them, even that guy
Who thinks he's fuckin' cool
Gets all of the attention
He doesn't sell shit does he?
Some guy on the net thinks I suck and he should know
He's got his own blog
Some guy on the net thinks I suck and he should know
He's got his own blog
I'm a loser
I'm a poser
Yeah really
It's over
I mean it and I quit
Everything I write is shit
I'm a loser
And a poser
It's over
It's over
I mean it and I quit
Everything I write is shit
Hey, hey
It's a working day
Hey, hey
It's a working day
Hey, hey
It's a working day
The song "A Working Day" by Ben Folds is a somewhat humorous and self-deprecating commentary on the aspirations, insecurities, and frustrations of an aspiring musician. The lyrics suggest a struggle with self-doubt and a sense of inadequacy in relation to other musicians, with the singer vacillating between claiming to be as good as anyone else and declaring that everything he writes is terrible. The lines "I'm a genius, really, I'm excellent / Better than them, I kick their asses" seem initially to contradict the singer's prior statements, but ultimately reveal themselves as a slightly desperate form of self-encouragement - a feigned confidence designed to counteract the singer's persistent self-doubt.
The song's chorus - "Hey, hey / It's a working day" - offers a grounding refrain that keeps the song tethered to reality amid the singer's self-pitying and self-aggrandizing thoughts. The use of "working day" instead of "regular day" or something similar suggests an awareness of the hard work and dedication required to succeed as a musician, even if that work does not always lead to the desired outcome.
The song reflects not just the experience of musicians but also that of many creative people who struggle with self-doubt and the need for validation. It's a relatable and engaging song that gets at the heart of what it means to put your creative work out into the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I can do this, really, I'm good enough
Confident statement that I have the talent to succeed.
I'm as good as them, but don't take it from me
I can compete with the best of them.
Ask my friends, ask my sister
Those who know me best, know my abilities.
They all think my stuff is great
My work is highly regarded by those around me.
Up there with any of them
My skills are on par with the most successful in the industry.
I just need a break
If I had the right opportunity, I know I could succeed.
I'm a genius, really, I'm excellent
I am exceptionally talented.
Better than them, I kick their asses
I can outperform my competition with ease.
All of them, even that guy
Even the most highly regarded individuals in my field.
Who thinks he's fuckin' cool
Whoever thinks they are better than me based on their reputation.
Gets all of the attention
They receive preferential treatment despite my superior skills.
He doesn't sell shit does he?
Despite their reputation, they have made little progress in their career.
Some guy on the net thinks I suck and he should know
Negative review of my work on a public online forum.
He's got his own blog
The reviewer has their own online platform to express their opinions.
I'm a loser
My feelings of inadequacy have taken over.
I'm a poser
I am not authentic, I am pretending to have talent.
Yeah really
Confirming the truth of my statement.
It's over
I have given up my aspirations.
I mean it and I quit
I am extremely serious and committed to stopping.
Everything I write is shit
I am highly critical of my own abilities and work.
Hey, hey It's a working day
Acknowledging that despite setbacks, I must continue to work and pursue my goals.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN FOLDS, BENJAMIN SCOTT FOLDS, NICHOLAS PETER JOHN HORNBY, NICK HORNBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind