Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, an… Read Full Bio ↴Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and vividly remembers, as a child, driving with his father and tuning the car radio in to the rich soul and jazz history the region provided. “Most of the best music ever made came out of Detroit,” claims the singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, who counts Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, Mike Terry, and Barry White among his influences, but draws the most inspiration from the music of Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland Jr.

The “retro” tag is added to almost any contemporary work that sounds like it was originally recorded between 1966 and 1974, and Hawthorne, among the newest contributors to the genre, is aware of how trends come and go. After being introduced to Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf by mutual friend Noelle Scaggs of the Rebirth, even his current boss was skeptical. “He showed me two songs and I didn’t understand what I was listening to,” Wolf recalls. “I asked him if they were old songs that he did re-edits of – I couldn’t believe they were new songs and that he played all the instruments.”

And after meeting in person, it was even harder for Wolf to believe that Hawthorne was also the lead vocalist. Few expect such heartfelt sentiment to come from a 29-year-old white kid from Ann Arbor, but he has caught the ear of his family at Stones Throw, as well as BBC Radio 1 host Gilles Peterson and producer/DJ Mark Ronson. Expectations are high for the admitted vinyl junkie who never planned on taking his crooning public. Hawthorne’s hanging-by-a-string falsetto and breakbeat production on his first recorded effort, the tender “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out,” are simultaneously Smokey and J Dilla – equal parts “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Fall in Love.” “It’s soul,” he explains, “But it’s new.”

Hawthorne has produced and played instruments for much of his life, but never intended to become a singer. He isn’t formally trained, and never sang in the church choir or in any of the bands he was in before founding the County (formerly the County Commissioners). But here he is, new school soul sensation, who has taken the Motown assembly-line production model and eliminated nearly every element but himself and a few hired hands. “I think Mayer is the only artist in the history of the label that I’ve signed after hearing only two songs,” says Peanut Butter Wolf. “Sometimes, you just know it’s the right thing to do.”

And for those willing to believe anything is possible, be grateful to have Mayer Hawthorne on the scene. It’s not just throwback music anymore – this revival is all about progression.

-Ronnie Reese (Wax Poetics / Rollingstone.com)

Work to Do
Mayer Hawthorne & The County Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm taking care of business, baby can't you see
I gotta make it for you, and I gotta make it for me
Sometimes it may seem girl I'm neglecting you
I'd love to spend more time
But I got so many things to do

Ooh, I got work to do, I got work baby
I got a job yeah I got work to do,

Said I got work to do

Oh I'm out here trying to make it, baby can't you see
It takes a lot of money to make, it let's talk truthfully
So keep your love light burning
And a little food hot in my plate
You might as well get used to me coming home a little late, oh

Ooh, I got work to do, I got work baby
I got a job, yeah I got work to do
I got work to do, everybody's got work to do

I'm taking care of business baby can't you see
I gotta make it for you, I gotta make it for me
Don't wanna make you feel I'm neglecting you

I'd love to spend more time, oh
But I got so many things to do

Overall Meaning

The song "Work to Do" by Mayer Hawthorne & The County tells the story of a hardworking individual who is trying to make it in life. The first two lines set the tone of the song as the singer explains that he has responsibilities to himself and to his partner that require him to work hard. However, because he is so busy, he might come across as neglectful towards his partner. He acknowledges their time could be better spent together but the realities of work have relegated that time to a luxury.

The chorus is a repeat of the title, "I got work to do," emphasizing the importance of the singer's job and his commitment to it. The second verse introduces the idea that making money requires a lot of time and effort, suggesting that the singer is working overtime to provide for his partner. He's encouraging his partner to keep the "love light burning" and keep his "plate" filled with food as he acknowledges that sometimes he may get home later than his partner wants. Nevertheless, he is determined to continue working hard to support them both financially.

In conclusion, the lyrics of "Work to Do" highlight the struggle of balancing work and personal life. The singer tries to fulfill his responsibilities to his partner, but despite his efforts, work remains a priority. By emphasizing the importance of hard work and the sacrifices it entails, the song comments on the reality of modern-day lifestyles.

Interesting Facts:

- Mayer Hawthorne originally got his start as a producer and DJ before transitioning to soulful retro-inspired music.
- The song was released in 2009 as part of the album "A Strange Arrangement."
- "Work to Do" was featured in the film "Get Hard" starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart in 2015.
- The song has been sampled by a number of different artists including Chance the Rapper on his song "Nostalgia" and Juicy J's "I'm Sicka".
- The music video for "Work to Do" features Hawthorne doing housework while his bandmates impatiently wait for him to finish.
- In 2010, Hawthorne performed "Work to Do" on "The Late Show with David Letterman."
- The song features a prominent bassline and falsetto vocals reminiscent of Motown.
- The lyrics contain a nod to The Isley Brothers' 1972 hit of the same name.
- The album "A Strange Arrangement" was recorded primarily in a makeshift studio in Hawthorne's basement.
- The album received critical acclaim with many reviewers praising Hawthorne's retro sound and attention to detail.

Chords (source: ultimate-guitar.com)

G Dm G Dm
I'm taking care of business baby, can't you see?
G Dm C Dm
I gotta make it for you, and I gotta make it for me
G Dm G Dm
Sometimes it may seem, girl, I'm neglecting you
G Dm C Dm
But I'd love to spend more time, but I got so many things to do
Chorus:
G Dm G Dm
Ooh, I got work to do, I got work baby
G Dm C Dm
I got a job, yeah, I got work to do,
G Dm G Dm
Said I got work to do

(continue with same chord pattern for rest of song)

Line by Line Meaning

I'm taking care of business, baby can't you see
I am working hard to provide for you and me

I gotta make it for you, and I gotta make it for me
I have to succeed not only for you, but also for myself

Sometimes it may seem girl I'm neglecting you
I know it may appear that I am ignoring you, but it's not true

I'd love to spend more time But I got so many things to do
Although I wish I could spend more time with you, I have many responsibilities to fulfill

Ooh, I got work to do, I got work baby
I am busy with my job and other duties

I got a job yeah I got work to do, Said I got work to do
I am employed and have many tasks to complete

Oh I'm out here trying to make it, baby can't you see
I am striving to succeed in life, and I hope you can appreciate that

It takes a lot of money to make, it let's talk truthfully
The reality is, it requires a lot of money to live and provide

So keep your love light burning And a little food hot in my plate
Please keep your love for me strong and ensure that there is always food available for me to eat

You might as well get used to me coming home a little late, oh
I may not always be able to come home on time, so please try to accept that

I got work to do, everybody's got work to do
Just like me, everyone has their own responsibilities and duties to perform

Don't wanna make you feel I'm neglecting you
I do not want you to feel abandoned or overlooked

Writer(s): Rudolph Isley, O'kelly Isley, Ronald Isley

Contributed by Carson P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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