Work For The Working Man
Bon Jovi(邦.乔维) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I ain't living just to die
Never getting back what I'm giving
Wont someone help me, someone justify
Why these strong hands are on the unemployment line
And there's nothing left, whats on my mind
Who's gonna work for the working man ?
(Work) Get the hands in the dirt, who's gonna work of the curse
(Work) Brother I've been damned, if I don't raise a hand
Work for the work, work, work for the working man
Work, work, working man
Empty pockets, full of worries
I had to get two jobs and it was hard enough getting by
But with the grace of God I'm getting us through
But only know that I know how to do
That I'm the only one who's gotta look my family in the eye
Day after day, night after night
Who's gonna work for the working man ?
Work for the working man
(Work) Get the hands in the dirt, who's gonna work of the curse
(Work) Brother Ive been damned, if I don't raise a hand
Work for the work, work, work for the working man
Work, work, working man
Work, work, working man
I lost my pension, they took my ID
These were my friends, these were my dreams
These were my hopes, these are my dreams
Can you hear me ?
Who's gonna work for the working man ?
Work for the working man
(Work) Get the hands in the dirt, who's gonna work of the curse
(Work) Brother Ive been damned, if I don't raise a hand
Work for the work, work, work for the working man
Work, work, working man
Work, work, working man
I lost my pension, they took my ID
These were my friends, these were my dreams
These were my hopes, these are my streets
Bon Jovi’s song “Work for the Working Man” portrays the struggles of an average worker trying to make ends meet in their daily life. The lyrics reflect the hardships faced by the working class, who often feel like their efforts go unrewarded. The singer is frustrated with the lack of opportunities despite working hard and is of the opinion that they deserve more.
The opening line, “I’m here trying to make a living,” sets the tone for the rest of the song as it highlights the singer's struggle to provide for themselves and their family. They lament how they never seem to get back what they give, and the frustration is apparent in the lines “never getting back what I’m giving/won’t someone help me, someone justify”. The chorus emphasizes the need for someone to “work for the working man,” and the repetition of “work” emphasizes the importance of labor to the working class.
The song also touches on the loss of pension and a sense of betrayal from the singer: “I lost my pension, they took my ID/these were my friends, these were my dreams/these were my hopes, these are my streets.” Overall, the song addresses the struggles of the working class and the need for change in the system.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm here, trying to make a living
I am currently working to earn a living
And I ain't living just to die
I don't want to work my whole life and have nothing to show for it
Never getting back what I'm giving
I feel like I'm not being rewarded for my hard work
Wont someone help me, someone justify
I need someone to explain why I am struggling despite my best efforts
Why these strong hands are on the unemployment line
I can't understand why hardworking people like myself are struggling to find employment
And there's nothing left, whats on my mind
I am left with no options and feeling hopeless
Get the hands in the dirt, who's gonna work of the curse
Who will do the difficult jobs that no one else wants to do?
Brother Ive been damned, if I don't raise a hand
I have to speak up and take action to improve my situation
Empty pockets, full of worries
I am broke and stressed
I had to get two jobs and it was hard enough getting by
I have to work twice as hard just to get by
But with the grace of God I'm getting us through
I am only able to survive because of my faith
That I'm the only one who's gotta look my family in the eye
I am the sole provider for my family and feel responsible for their well-being
I lost my pension, they took my ID
I have been robbed of my retirement savings and personal identification
These were my friends, these were my dreams
I have lost my social network and aspirations
These were my hopes, these are my dreams
My current situation is preventing me from achieving my goals
Can you hear me?
Am I being heard and understood by those in power?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHIE SAMBORA, JON BON JOVI, DARRELL BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind