Housework
Robert Palmer Lyrics


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Wave goodbye from out of the window
Good-no trouble starting the car
Time for just one more cup of coffee
You know the housework won't wait

Where to start now? - time to get going
The housework keeps you feeling alive
Clear the plates and wash up the dishes
RRR! - Let's go - now the bedroom

Make the bed and fluff up the pillows
The housework makes you happy
Shake the rug and open the windows
The housework keeps you feeling alive
Close the drawers and tidy the closet
The housework keeps you going
Throw the dirty clothes in the hamper
RRR! - Let's go - looking better

RRR! - Let's go - get the vacuum
Round the carpets under the table
The housework makes you happy
Dust the shelves and polish the glass-ware
The housework keeps you feeling alive
Make some lunch and take out the garbage
The housework keeps you going
Pay the bills and get the dry-cleaning
RRR! - Let's go - time for shopping

Bread and milk and plenty of groceries
The housework makes you happy
Get some cash out of the dispenser
The housework keeps you feeling alive
Don't forget to stock up the freezer
The housework keeps you going
Get some wine for later this evening
Home by five! - how the kitchen

RRR! - Let's go - make the dinner
Get the roast into the oven
The housework makes you happy
Peel the veg and then set the table
The housework keeps you feeling alive
Freshen up and put on some music
The housework got your dancing
Light the candles - there goes the doorbell
RRR! - she's home - perfect timing!

Welcome back, dear - how did your day go?




The housework's nearly over
How about

Overall Meaning

a glass and some conversation?
The housework can wait till tomorrow


The lyrics of Robert Palmer's "Housework" are a tribute to the endless routine of housework that many women have to carry out daily. The song starts with the singer saying goodbye to someone, yet their mind is already focused on the tasks they have to do at home. The first verse shows how the singer recognizes the importance of getting going with the housework since it won't wait, but at the same time, they want to savor one last cup of coffee. The next verse is about the bedroom, where the singer undertakes tasks such as making the bed, fluffing up the pillows, and tidying up the closet. The chorus emphasizes how the housework makes the singer happy and keeps them alive.


The following verses depict other tasks that the singer has to undertake, such as vacuuming, dusting shelves, polishing glassware, making lunch, taking out the garbage, paying bills, getting groceries and wine, and cooking dinner. The bridge represents a sigh of relief, as the singer's partner returns home, and the housework is almost over. They invite their partner for a drink and some conversation, indicating that the housework can wait till tomorrow. The lyrics show how the singer's daily routine revolves around housework, and they take pride in their dedication to keep their house clean and organized.


Line by Line Meaning

Wave goodbye from out of the window
Start getting ready now


Good-no trouble starting the car
It's time to do housework


Time for just one more cup of coffee
A small break before getting to work


You know the housework won't wait
The housework must be done soon


Where to start now? - time to get going
Getting energized to start housework


The housework keeps you feeling alive
Doing housework keeps you motivated


Clear the plates and wash up the dishes
Cleaning up the dishes


RRR! - Let's go - now the bedroom
Motivating to move to the next task


Make the bed and fluff up the pillows
Getting the bedroom cleaned


Shake the rug and open the windows
Cleaning the bedroom floors and freshening it up


Close the drawers and tidy the closet
Getting the closet tidied up


Throw the dirty clothes in the hamper
Putting dirty clothes in the hamper


RRR! - Let's go - looking better
Moving onto the next task with enthusiasm


Get the vacuum, round the carpets under the table
Vacuum cleaning the house


Dust the shelves and polish the glass-ware
Cleaning the shelves and glass


Make some lunch and take out the garbage
Doing household chores


Pay the bills and get the dry-cleaning
Completing the remaining chores


RRR! - Let's go - time for shopping
Motivating to finish the chores and start shopping


Bread and milk and plenty of groceries
Stocking up on groceries


Get some cash out of the dispenser
Getting some cash for shopping


Don't forget to stock up the freezer
Making sure the freezer is stocked


Get some wine for later this evening
Buying wine for later


Home by five! - how the kitchen
Heading home to cook dinner


RRR! - Let's go - make the dinner
Enthusiasm to cook dinner


Get the roast into the oven
Roasting the meat


Peel the veg and then set the table
Preparing vegetables and setting the table


Freshen up and put on some music
Taking a break to freshen up and enjoy music


The housework got your dancing
The joy of completing the housework


Light the candles - there goes the doorbell
Preparing for guests


RRR! - she's home - perfect timing!
Excitement to welcome guests


Welcome back, dear - how did your day go?
Greeting guests and asking about their day


The housework's nearly over
Almost done with the housework


How about a drink while I finish up?
Offering guests a drink


Relax and tell me all the workplace news
Encouraging guests to relax and chat


Let's enjoy the rest of the evening
Enjoy the evening with guests


Thanks to the housework, everything's perfect now.
Completion of housework leads to a wonderful, perfect evening




Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOB PALMER, STEVE FELLOWS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@RaineCarosin

Dear Robert - thank you for leaving us with awesome songs... This one helps me through many a urgh when housework calls... Awesome!

@daverave159

great calypso beat , funny lyrics , spot on vocals , one of his best

@Andrea_of_AtLastCrochet

One of my favorites on this album. I have a soft spot for Aeroplane as well.

@raymondesherman2524

Another gem by Palmef RIP We miss you.๐Ÿ˜ฅ

@axelgasper3803

My wife is still playin this great tune whilst doing the housework.... makes it a lot easier

@dinahthomason6340

what an awesome song

@jamesparrish1700

Can remember the excitement and pleasure of a gorgeous girl not hiding her attraction to me and a friend offered his apartment for a long weekend while he was visiting family. The Effort was terrifying but, was so wonderful and such an excellent outcome. After running round like a Maniac, it all came together and She knew it was all for Her. HooRay!

@user-js3cz7mp4m

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@junichik.4218

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@user-yn7gi5iv8f

This song would also be great for a plane flight to LA and I would play this song at Nashville International Airport and on the plane and this would also be a flight song for my plane ride to LA and when I land at the LAX I will play this song there at the LAX at night and when the song ends after the lyrics of leave the dishes until tomorrow letโ€™s play thatโ€™s when I arrive at my 4-star hotel in LA

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