She Works Hard for the Money
Kris Allen Lyrics

She works hard for the money
The subject of the song works very hard to earn her wages

So hard for it, honey
The hard-earned money she earns is worth more than it appears

She works hard for the money
Reiterating the subject's intense work ethic and the significance of her earnings

So you better treat her right
It is imperative that the subject is treated with respect and dignity in light of her tireless efforts

Onetta there in the corner stand
Introducing the character of Onetta, who works in a service job as a means of supporting herself

And she's wonders where she is
Onetta wonders what she could have done to merit a life where her work is the primary source of income

And it's strange to her
It seems unusual to Onetta that others seem to have the ability to amass wealth easily

Some people seem to have everything
Others are able to prosper more readily in society due to a variety of factors

Nine a.m. on the hour hand
Describing the time of day at which Onetta begins her workday

And she's waiting for the bell
Onetta must wait for the start of her shift before she can begin earning her living

And she's looking real pretty
Despite the many hours she works, Onetta takes pride in her appearance and endeavors to look her best

Just waiting for her clientèle
Onetta must wait for customers to arrive before she can provide her services and be compensated for her work

Twenty five years have come and gone
Onetta has been working for a living for a quarter of a century

And she's seen a lot of tears
Onetta has witnessed the struggles of those who seem to be living paycheck-to-paycheck, as she is

Of the ones who come in
Referring to the customers and clients Onetta has encountered in her work

They really seem to need her there
Onetta provides an essential service that many people depend upon

It's a sacrifice working day to day
Working in a service occupation requires sacrifice, as Onetta must be on her feet all day and put in long hours

For little money just tips for pay
The pay Onetta receives is insufficient and relies heavily upon receiving tips from customers

But it's worth it all
Despite the challenges, Onetta finds the work worth the sacrifice

Just to hear them say that they care
The recognition and appreciation of customers goes a long way towards making Onetta feel that her work is valued

She already knows
Onetta has already experienced hardships and struggles in her life

She's seen her bad times
These struggles have been long-lasting and deeply impactful for Onetta

These are the good times
Despite the difficulties, Onetta is grateful for the moments when she can be proud of her accomplishments

She'll never sell out
Onetta is committed to her principles and will not compromise them for financial gain

She never will not for a dollar bill
Onetta would never knowingly do something that contradicts her values in exchange for money

She works hard, so hard
Once again highlighting Onetta's amazing work ethic and determination

She works hard for the money
Bringing the song full-circle, this line underscores the sacrifices Onetta makes in her daily work

So you better treat her right
Repeating the call to treat Onetta and others who work in service professions with respect and dignity