Workin' at the Car Wash Blues
Jim Croce & Don McLean Lyrics
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Doin' ninety days for non-support
Tried to find me an executive position
But no matter how smooth I talked
They wouldn't listen to the fact that I was genius
The man say, "we got all that we can use"
Now I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Well, I should be sittin' in an air conditioned office
In a swivel chair
Talkin' some trash to the secretaries
Sayin', "here, now mama, come on over here"
Instead, I'm stuck here rubbin' these fenders with a rag
And walkin' home in soggy old shoes
With them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Workin' at the car wash blues
You know a man of my ability
He should be smokin' on a big cigar
But 'til I get myself straight I guess I'll just have to wait
In my rubber suit rubbin' these cars
Well, all I can do is to shake my head
You might not believe that it's true
For workin' at this end of Niagara Falls
Is an undiscovered Howard Hughes
So baby, don't expect to see me
With no double martini in any high brow society news
'Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Workin' at the car wash blues
So baby, don't expect to see me
With no double martini in any high brow society news
'Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Workin' at the car wash blues
Yeah, I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Workin' at the car wash blues
The lyrics of Jim Croce's song "Workin' at the Car Wash Blues" depict the frustration and feelings of hopelessness of a man who has just been released from jail for non-payment of alimony, and who is now struggling to find work. The singer of the song expresses his feelings of being undervalued for his intellect, despite his personal difficulties. He admits to feeling depressed and mentally drained by his job at the car wash, which he sees as a dead-end, and which he believes prevents him from reaching success.
The singer's disillusionment with his life situation is the central theme of this song. He is well-educated and believes he should hold a high position in the corporate world, but instead he is stuck performing menial labor at a car wash. The song is characterized by Croce's signature raspy vocals and insightful lyrics that touch on complex emotions felt by people going through challenging times in their lives.
Overall, "Workin' at the Car Wash Blues" is a deeply personal song that reflects the societal issues of its time, in which people who had been in prison or who had made mistakes were often discriminated against in the workforce. It shows how some people have to face difficult circumstances due to societal prejudices, and how they respond with resilience and grit.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I had just got out from the county prison
I was recently released from jail
Doin' ninety days for non-support
I was in jail for not providing financial support
Tried to find me an executive position
I attempted to get a high-paying job
But no matter how smooth I talked
I spoke in a persuasive manner
They wouldn't listen to the fact that I was genius
They didn't recognize my intelligence
The man say, "we got all that we can use"
Employers told me they didn't need my skills
Now I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
I'm feeling very down and discouraged
Working at the car wash blues
I'm working at a car wash and it's making me unhappy
Well, I should be sittin' in an air conditioned office
I feel like I deserve a cushy office job
In a swivel chair
With a comfortable office chair
Talkin' some trash to the secretaries
Bossing around the administrative staff
Sayin', "here, now mama, come on over here"
Addressing female colleagues in a demeaning manner
Instead, I'm stuck here rubbin' these fenders with a rag
But instead, I'm cleaning cars at the wash
And walkin' home in soggy old shoes
And my shoes are always soaking wet
You know a man of my ability
I'm very capable and talented
He should be smokin' on a big cigar
I should be living a luxurious lifestyle
But 'til I get myself straight I guess I'll just have to wait
But until I get my life in order, I'll have to continue working at the car wash
In my rubber suit rubbin' these cars
Wearing a rubber uniform and washing cars
Well, all I can do is to shake my head
All I can do is be disappointed
You might not believe that it's true
This might surprise you
For workin' at this end of Niagara Falls
Because I work at a menial job near the Niagara Falls
Is an undiscovered Howard Hughes
I could be a genius who just hasn't been discovered yet
So baby, don't expect to see me
So don't expect me
With no double martini in any high brow society news
Drinking fancy cocktails and hobnobbing with the upper class
'Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Because my job is making me depressed and unhappy
Workin' at the car wash blues
These are the car wash blues
Yeah, I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin'
Yes, I'm feeling very down and discouraged
Workin' at the car wash blues
These are the car wash blues
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jim Croce
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@v.e.7236
I had the opportunity to meet Jim Croce, while driving w/ my family from L/A. to San Francisco on the I-5. He was broken down w/ the hood to his car up and my oldest sister begged my dad to stop and help - 'cause he looked cute, according to her. My dad relented and pulled over just past his car. When the guy (Jim) came from around the front of the car I recognized his face from an album cover and blurted out, "That's Jim Croce!" It took just a moment for my sisters to realize I wasn't pulling their legs, when both of them came flying out of the car, asking him for an autograph, etc., but I just wanted to sing w/ this man, as I was always a big fan of singer/song writers. Unfortunately, my dad called me to get under the car to retrieve a tool, so that never happened, but I did help my dad make a gasket for the carburetor and we got his old car running better than ever. He thanked us profusely and even shook my hand, but all I could focus on was my missed opportunity to sing w/ Jim Croce, and I cried for the next several miles. lol I became a mechanic because of that experience, wanting to help as many stranded folk as possible. I've probably helped a couple hundred folk out along the I-5 corridor, since. RIP Jim. Wish I could have sung w/ you.
@inukshuksixtyfour1164
Awww...beautiful story. <3
@davevaebutuoy
Great story. Of course you can still sing along with his albums every day!
@straitjacket8689
That is awesome!
@barrys4922
Fantastic story.
@zigwald
your Dad must have been a hellava guy to stop and help. as a semi road mechanic for 35 years, it was a adventure to say the least. i must say even though i told off Rushs road manger and met the band, i'm jealous of your adventure!
@lukerussell5723
I’m 17, I work at a car wash for minimum wage, and you had better believe I listen to this song every shift
@Jessicaunarex
Awesome.
@shibbler3355
Just be thankful you didnt die in a plane wreck.
@brendamyers6320
Over 30 + yrs ago I worked at one part of a day, when my former employer came asking me to come back to work for them w/ raise .. I always remember what it was like that one day.. Glad I returned to the former job within 1-1/2 yr I was manager of the business.. Keep trying keep working --good things come to people who keep on trying..