W.P.A.
Louis Armstrong/Mills Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It ain't daybreak, but it's four O'clock
Oh, no, no, no, Pops, you know that ain't the play
What you talkin' 'bout? It's the W.P.A.
The W.P.A.
Sleep while you work, while you rest, while you play
Lean on your shovel to pass the time away
T'ain't what you do; you can't die for your pay
The W.P.A.
The W.P.A.
The W.P.A.
Now don't be a fool; working hard is passe
You'll stand from five to six hours a day
Sit down and joke while you smoke; it's okay
The W.P.A.
I'm so tired, I don't know what to do
Can't get fired, so I'll take my rest until my work
Is through
The W.P.A.
The W.P.A.
Don't mind the boss if he's cross when you're gay
He'll get a pink slip next month anyway
Three little letters that make life okay
The W.P.A.
The song "W.P.A." by Louis Armstrong and the Mills Brothers is a satirical take on the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program created in 1935 to provide employment to millions of out-of-work Americans during the Great Depression. The lyrics of the song suggest that the WPA was a place where workers could take it easy, lean on their shovels, and pass the time away. The singer encourages his fellow workers to sleep while they work, to sit down and joke while they smoke, and to enjoy their jobs because they can't get fired.
Despite the upbeat tone of the song, there is a sense of resignation and exhaustion in the lyrics. The singer admits, "I'm so tired, I don't know what to do," and suggests that the WPA is a place where workers go to "take [their] rest until [their] work is through." The repeated refrain, "The W.P.A., the W.P.A.," becomes almost a mantra, suggesting that the workers have resigned themselves to their fate and are finding solace in the fact that they at least have a job.
Overall, "W.P.A." is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and attitudes of Depression-era workers, and it offers a satirical commentary on the WPA and its impact on American society.
Line by Line Meaning
Now wake up, boys, get out on the rock
Come on guys, it's time to start working
It ain't daybreak, but it's four O'clock
It's early, but we have to start working now
Oh, no, no, no, Pops, you know that ain't the play
We don't want to work hard
What you talkin' 'bout? It's the W.P.A.
We're part of the Works Progress Administration
The W.P.A.
Works Progress Administration
Sleep while you work, while you rest, while you play
You can rest while you're working, resting, or playing
Lean on your shovel to pass the time away
Don't work too hard, just lean on your shovel and take it easy
T'ain't what you do; you can't die for your pay
Don't work too hard, it's not worth dying for your salary
Now don't be a fool; working hard is passe
Working hard is out of fashion, don't be stupid
You'll stand from five to six hours a day
You only have to work for a few hours each day
Sit down and joke while you smoke; it's okay
You can sit and relax, smoke and joke around if you want
I'm so tired, I don't know what to do
I'm exhausted and don't know how to cope
Can't get fired, so I'll take my rest until my work is through
I can't be fired, so I'll take my time to finish my work
Don't mind the boss if he's cross when you're gay
Don't worry about the boss if he's upset - he'll be gone soon
He'll get a pink slip next month anyway
He'll be getting fired soon
Three little letters that make life okay
WPA - the letters that make our lives better
The W.P.A.
Works Progress Administration
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: J. STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brandontruszkowski9870
Absolutely love the Mills Brothers! They simply have the best harmony! Plus throw in Louis Armstrong and you have a masterpiece!
@AustinCasey
Louis Armstrong was perhaps my first musical hero. From him I discovered the Mills Bros and from the Mills Bros I discovered The Ink Spots. I'll never forget how much in love I was the Armstrong-Mills records of "Nellie Gray", "Cherry" and "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny".
@brandontruszkowski9870
Austin Casey Those are all fantastic Mills Brothers, Louis Armstrong recordings! I think my favorite was Without My Walking Stick. I love how Harry does his imitated trumpet right alongside Louis's actual trumpet, it was just amazing. I have the complete Mills Brothers 1930s Recordings Box Set plus the one off CD that covers 1939. I also believe the Mills Brothers did an Album dedicated to Louis Armstrong after his passing in 1971. Also another great album. I remember I discovered the Ink Spots first and then discovered the Mills Brothers through my Great Grandmother, who is almost 97 now. That's where I also got into Louis Armstrong as well. She told me about how she liked Mack The Knife. I owe a lot to my Great Grandmother for getting me into this music. Plus you always share great songs by great artists on your channel. As always keep the great music coming! Sorry to ramble on there. Lol
@AustinCasey
That's great! Like you, some of my older relatives enthusiasm helped me develop an interest in these styles. I'm really glad to meet others like you who are into and knowledgeable about the music and artists. I'm quite certain this music will live forever.
@brandontruszkowski9870
Thanks! It really is great talking with people that enjoy this kind of music! I certainly hope this music lasts forever because it's just so good. The amount of talent that the artists of yesteryear have is simply just unmatched. The only downside is that I'll never see those artists in person but thankfully we have their recordings. It's also great being able to talk to those who lived in that era, like relatives. As always it's great talking with you!
@AustinCasey
Yes! And and always, I encourage others to check out some of the great artists of today who're keeping with the tradition... people like Tamar Korn, Wynton Marsalis, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Mike Davis, Peter Horsfall, Gordon Au & The Grand Street Stompers, Jonathan Stout, and hundreds of others. Always nice talking with you too Brandon!
@sergio2aa
I discovered jazz music with this tune 40 years ago. Pure masterpiece. Thanks for sharing.
@jhas888
Congrats to whoever made this awesomely clean recording of superb music
@StanWarford
What a great tune and what a great sentiment. The banks in our current economic crisis are one big ... W.P.A!
@ernestschultz5065
Sachmo's trumpet playing was pure light