5 to 9
Parton Dolly 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 pumping
Out on the street the traffic starts jumping
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
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
Waiting for the day your ship'll come in
And the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
9 to 5, yeah they got you where they want you
There's a better life, and you think about it, don't you?
It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life putting money in his wallet
9 to 5, whoa what a way to make a living
Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
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 putting money in his wallet
Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" is a song that delves into the monotony of corporate life during the 1980s when the song was released. In the first verse, Parton narrates her experience of a typical morning, waking up and realizing that she has more work to do while steeling herself with a "cup of ambition." On her way to work, she notices how everyone seems to be in a rush, representing the fast-paced life that many people during this era and even today may feel they have to keep up with. As soon as she arrives at work, she realizes that the work environment is a soul-draining experience since there is no recognition or credit given to workers. In the chorus, Parton captures how the corporate world is a life-stealing exchange since one gives a lot to the job but receives very little in return, highlighting that "it's all taking and no giving."
Parton also explains in the second verse that the American dream of success and promotion is only a false hope since there are limitations on how far most people can advance in the hierarchy of companies. In the line, "You're just a step on the boss man's ladder," she recognizes how the workers are only means to an end in the company's goal of making a profit. She also highlights that it is a heart-wrenching experience when people's dreams and aspirations are squashed in the pursuit of the American Dream, which sometimes becomes nothing but a pipe dream for many workers. The bridge of the song emphasizes how people hold onto hope for change in the work environment, hoping that the tide of their success will reverse for them one day.
Line by Line Meaning
Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
I wake up and groggily walk to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
I make coffee to wake myself up and get motivated
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life
I try to shake off my sleepiness and prepare to start the day
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumping
Taking a shower gets me energized and ready for the day
Out on the street the traffic starts jumping
The day has started and everyone is rushing to work
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Many people, including myself, will be working from 9 to 5
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
Working a 9 to 5 job is tough
Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
I barely make enough money to survive and my job does not give me anything in return
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
My employer takes advantage of my skills and does not appreciate my hard work
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
This treatment from my job can be overwhelming and stressful
9 to 5, for service and devotion
I work hard and commit myself to my job
You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion
I believe I deserve a big promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me
I want to advance in my career, but my boss is not allowing it
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
I strongly suspect my boss is purposefully holding me back
They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter
My employer gives me hope for success, only to crush it later
You're just a step on the boss man's ladder
My employer uses me as a means to an end
But you got dreams he'll never take away
I have aspirations that my employer cannot take from me
You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends
Many of my coworkers are in the same situation I am in
Waiting for the day your ship'll come in
We are all waiting for our big break
And the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way
Someday, our fortunes will change and we will succeed
9 to 5, yeah they got you where they want you
My employer has me exactly where they want me
There's a better life, and you think about it, don't you?
I believe there is a better job and I am constantly thinking about it
It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
Success in the working world favors the wealthy
And you spend your life putting money in his wallet
I work hard to make my employer rich, but I do not reap the rewards
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missdrgirlfriend
this is the happiest song about hell i've ever heard
@uncolaman99
I agree; it's pretty weird if you think about it.
@TailcoatGames
I disagree
@TailcoatGames
Alastorโs reprise might top this
@abbymarievlogs
DrGyalfren what do you mean itโs about h?
@godesofdnyte
๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ this is awesome
@skyy9763
sheโs the best nail player iโve ever seen
@ellebelle6439
I don't hear it tho lol
@DarkMatterX1
@@ellebelle6439
Seriously? The tapping sounds you hear from 0:05 and onward throught the song? That's her fingernails tapping.
@lanaandthediamonds3651
She is the only nail player I heard