9 To 5
Millencolin Lyrics
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Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin'
Out on the street the traffic starts jumpin'
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter
You're just a step on the boss-man's ladder
But you got dreams he'll never take away
You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends
Waitin' for the day your ship'll come in
'N' the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way
Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'
They just used your mind and you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Workin' 9 to 5, yeah they got you where they want you
There's a better life, and you dream about it, don't you?
It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life puttin' money in his pocket
In "9 to 5," Millencolin sings about the working class, who follow the same daily routine, day in and day out. The first few lines describe the morning routine of an average working-class individual. Jumping out of bed, stumbling to the kitchen, and pouring themselves a cup of ambition is a metaphor for the idea that people are fueled by the desire to make a living and survive. The lyrics then describe how just going through the motions doesn't wake one up, it takes an invigorating shower and the hustle and bustle of the outside world to stimulate oneself to go face another day of work.
The second verse highlights the frustration of being stuck in a cycle of working for someone else's benefit. The lyrics emphasize the lack of credit and respect employees receive for their work, belittling the idea of the employer placing the ladder on the employees' dreams. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the third verse, acknowledging that one is not alone and that people are waiting patiently for their luck to turn around. This idea is probably the most inspirational part of the song. The concept that, one day, things will change for the better.
Overall, "9 to 5" manages to capture the mundanity and monotony of an average, working-class person's life. It depicts the inherent flaws of a system that incentivizes people to work hard and struggle to make ends meet, all the while giving the credit and the profits to their employer. However, the final verse offers the possibility that things can change, that people are not alone in their struggles, and that a better life is achievable, despite the obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Jump on outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
Drag myself out of bed and head straight to the kitchen.
Pour myself a cup of ambition
Make coffee to get through the day.
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life
Struggle to wake up and feel alive.
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin'
Get ready in the morning and start to feel energized.
Out on the street the traffic starts jumpin'
Commute to work and face heavy traffic.
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Join countless others in the never-ending cycle of working from nine to five.
Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'
Working from nine to five is a terrible way to make a living.
Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'
Struggling to make ends meet, with work being more draining than rewarding.
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
Employers take advantage of workers without recognizing their contributions.
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
The situation can be stressful and take a toll on one's mental health.
They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter
Employers give false hope to employees only to crush it later.
You're just a step on the boss-man's ladder
You are insignificant in the grand scheme of the company.
But you got dreams he'll never take away
Despite the boss's power, your dreams are still your own and cannot be taken away.
You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends
You and your friends are all in the same situation working the same jobs.
Waitin' for the day your ship'll come in
Waiting for an opportunity to escape this difficult cycle of work.
'N' the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way
Believing that someday life will change for the better and things will go your way.
Workin' 9 to 5, yeah they got you where they want you
Employers have a stronghold on workers and their finances.
There's a better life, and you dream about it, don't you?
Dreaming of a life beyond the daily grind and financial struggles.
It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
The system is rigged in favor of the wealthy, no matter how it's justified.
And you spend your life puttin' money in his pocket
Working tirelessly to make someone else wealthy while struggling to make ends meet.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind