Besides his work with Dream Theater, Portnoy is known for his many side projects and tribute bands. He is a founding member of Liquid Tension Experiment, an instrumental progressive rock band featuring fellow Dream Theater members John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess along with bassist Tony Levin. He is also a founding member of Transatlantic, a progressive rock "super-group" featuring former Spock's Beard keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, Flower Kings guitarist Roine Stolt and Marillion bassist Pete Trewavas. Portnoy has also recorded and/or toured/performed live with Neal Morse, OSI, Hail!, Stone Sour, Fates Warning, Overkill, G3 and played on Avenged Sevenfold's album Nightmare in place of their late drummer, The Rev. Over the years, Portnoy has also created tribute bands to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and The Who, which has allowed him to perform the music of his four favorite drummers.
In September 2010, Portnoy announced his departure from Dream Theater after 25 years. He was replaced by Mike Mangini. Since leaving Dream Theater, Portnoy has formed several new bands. The first, Adrenaline Mob, a traditional heavy metal/hard rock band with singer Russell Allen (of Symphony X) and guitarist Mike Orlando. On June 4, 2013, however, Portnoy announced his departure from Adrenaline Mob, citing scheduling conflicts. He is also a founding member of Flying Colors, a progressive rock band also featuring Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Casey McPherson; The Winery Dogs, a power trio also featuring bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and guitarist Richie Kotzen (formerly of Mr. Big and Poison); and Sons of Apollo, a progressive metal supergroup also featuring Sheehan, Derek Sherinian, Jeff Scott Soto and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal.
WORKING MAN
Mike Portnoy Lyrics
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And I go to work at nine.
I got no time for livin',
Yes, I'm workin' all the time.
It seems to me
I could live my life
A lot better than I think I am.
I guess that's why they call me,
They call me the working man.
I guess that's what I am.
I get home at five o'clock,
And I take myself out a nice, cold beer.
Always seem to be wonderin'
Why there's nothin' goin' down here.
Well they call me the working man.
I guess that's what I am.
The song "Working Man" by Mike Portnoy discusses the monotonous routine of the daily life of a working-class person. The lyrics indicate that the singer wakes up at seven in the morning and heads to work by nine. The singer implies that because he works all the time, there isn't any room for enjoyment or fun activities in his life. He reflects on how he could've had a better life or used his time in a more fulfilling manner. However, due to the pressures of society and his financial circumstances, the singer is forced to work and doesn't have the luxury to pursue his interests.
In the second verse, the singer gets home at five o'clock and gets himself a cold beer. He seems to be wondering why he isn't doing anything exciting or fulfilling with his life. The phrase "they call me the working man" suggests that his work defines him and his identity has become intertwined with his job title. He accepts this and thinks that's all there is to his life, even though he once had dreams and aspirations. The song highlights the struggles of the average worker, who is forced to work long hours and is unable to enjoy life due to financial constraints.
Line by Line Meaning
I get up at seven, yeah,
I wake up early in the morning at seven o'clock.
And I go to work at nine.
I start my work at nine o'clock.
I got no time for livin',
I have no time for personal time or leisure activities.
Yes, I'm workin' all the time.
I work non-stop throughout the day.
It seems to me
I could live my life
A lot better than I think I am.
I feel like I'm not living my life to the fullest and could do better.
I guess that's why they call me,
They call me the working man.
People refer to me as the working man because of my constant work.
They call me the working man.
I guess that's what I am.
Being the working man is my identity.
I get home at five o'clock,
And I take myself out a nice, cold beer.
After work, I come home and unwind with a cold beer.
Always seem to be wonderin'
Why there's nothin' goin' down here.
I often wonder why there's not much happening or excitement in my life outside of work.
Well they call me the working man.
I guess that's what I am.
Once again, my identity as the working man is reinforced.
Contributed by Camden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.