Car Wash
Rose Royce Lyrics


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Ooh ooh
You might not ever get rich
But let me tell ya it's better than diggin' a ditch
There ain't no tellin' who you might meet
A movie star or maybe even an Indian chief

(Workin')
At the car wash
Workin' at the car wash, yeah
Come on and sing it with me
(Car wash)
Sing it with the feelin' y'all
(Car wash, yeah)

Ooh!

Come summer the work gets kinda hot
This ain't no place to be if you planned on bein' a star
Let me tell you it's always cool
And the boss don't mind sometimes if you act a fool

At the car wash
Whoa whoa whoa whoa
Talkin' about the car wash, yeah
Come on, ya'all and sing it for me
(Car wash)
Wooh oooh oooh
(Car wash, yeah)

(Work and work)
Well, those cars never seem to stop coming
(Work and work)
Keep those rags and machines humming
(Work and work)
My fingers to the bone
(Work)
I can't wait till it's time to go home

(Hey, get your car washed today)
Fill up and you don't have to pay
Come on and give us a play
(Do the wash, right away)

(The car wash)
Talkin' 'bout the car wash
Car wash, yeah
Come on, y'all, let's sing it with me
(Car wash)
Sing it with feelin', y'all
(Car wash, yeah)

Whoa whoa whoa whoa
(Car wash)
Those cars never seem to stop comin'
What'd I say
Keep those rags and machines hummin'
(Car wash)
Let me tell you, it's always cool
And the boss don't mind sometimes if you act a fool

At the car wash
Workin' at the car wash yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Car wash
Talkin' about the car wash

Car wash
Car wash yeah
Car wash
Car wash yeah
Car wash
Car wash yeah




Car wash
Car wash yeah

Overall Meaning

"Car Wash" is a classic fun, upbeat song that serves as a tribute to the hard-working individuals who have to toil in menial jobs to make ends meet. Through the lyrics, Rose Royce reminds us that there is dignity in all forms of work and often it is better to have a job, no matter how low paying, than not having one at all. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the theme, “Ooh ooh/You might not ever get rich/But let me tell ya, it's better than diggin' a ditch." The next line, “There ain't no tellin' who you might meet/A movie star or maybe even an Indian chief” acknowledges that there is always the possibility of meeting someone of note. The song describes a day in the life of a car wash attendant - the ups and downs, the monotony, and the occasional craziness that comes with being in the position. Nevertheless, the workers manage to keep their spirits high and have a good time. They sing, “Come summer the work gets kinda hot/This ain't no place to be if you planned on bein' a star/Let me tell you it's always cool/And the boss don't mind sometimes if you act a fool."


The chorus is the running theme of the song, where the words ‘Car Wash' is repeated multiple times in a fast-paced rhythm. The song is not only a tribute to the hardworking people but also an inspiration to the listeners to have a positive attitude towards their job, no matter what it is. The message of the song remains relevant even today, after almost five decades since its initial release. "Car Wash" is an entertaining and energetic piece of music that has stood the test of time.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh ooh
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm


You might not ever get rich
Working at a car wash may not lead to financial wealth


But let me tell ya it's better than diggin' a ditch
Working at a car wash is more favorable than working in hard manual labor


There ain't no tellin' who you might meet
Working at a car wash may provide opportunities to meet interesting people


A movie star or maybe even an Indian chief
There is a possibility of meeting people from prominent backgrounds


(Workin') At the car wash Workin' at the car wash, yeah Come on and sing it with me (Car wash) Sing it with the feelin' y'all (Car wash, yeah)
Encouraging people to join in and sing while working at the car wash


Come summer the work gets kinda hot
Working at the car wash during summer can be hot and uncomfortable


This ain't no place to be if you planned on bein' a star
Working at a car wash is not an ideal career choice for those who seek fame and fortune


Let me tell you it's always cool
Despite the hot weather, the atmosphere at the car wash is always cool and fun


And the boss don't mind sometimes if you act a fool
The employer is lenient and allows for some playful behavior occasionally


Whoa whoa whoa whoa Talkin' about the car wash, yeah Come on, ya'all and sing it for me (Car wash) Wooh oooh oooh (Car wash, yeah)
Encouraging everyone to continue singing and having fun while working


(Work and work) Well, those cars never seem to stop coming (Work and work) Keep those rags and machines humming (Work and work) My fingers to the bone (Work) I can't wait till it's time to go home
Describing the continuous, tiring, and strenuous work that goes on at the car wash


(Hey, get your car washed today) Fill up and you don't have to pay Come on and give us a play (Do the wash, right away)
Advertising the car wash and offering a free service to attract customers


(The car wash) Talkin' 'bout the car wash Car wash, yeah Come on, y'all, let's sing it with me (Car wash) Sing it with feelin', y'all (Car wash, yeah)
Continuing to sing and celebrate the car wash and its culture


Whoa whoa whoa whoa (Car wash) Those cars never seem to stop comin' What'd I say Keep those rags and machines hummin' (Car wash)
Reiterating the hard work and non-stop work at the car wash


Let me tell you, it's always cool And the boss don't mind sometimes if you act a fool At the car wash Workin' at the car wash yeah Yeah yeah yeah yeah Car wash Talkin' about the car wash Car wash Car wash yeah Car wash Car wash yeah Car wash Car wash yeah
Finalizing the song with a reminder that the car wash is always a cool and fun place to work, and encouraging everyone to continue singing and enjoying themselves




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: NORMAN JESSE WHITFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

DIANA VIVANCO CAMACHO

VAYA COLECCIÓN LA QUE TIENES !!!!!! GRACIAS POR LOS RECUERDOS DE UNA DE LAS ETAPAS MAS MARAVILLOSAS DE MI VIDA... LA MUSICA DISCO CREO, NUNCA PASARÁ DE MODA . +ESTA ES UNA DE ELLAS... UNA CLÁSICA. GRACIAS POR SUBIRLA.!!!!!!

manitogata

Love this song...brings back so many memories.

boners2nite

Great sound, best version I've heard!

Helen Grigsby

What! Clap your hands. Alright now at the car wash. Dang! I was 10 when this jam came out. Now going on 52 and still jamming. Hey!

Alexandra KRITIguide

very nice edit :)

Stuart Hall

Apparently this groups original name wuz called 'Magic Wand' til Gwen Dickey joined they then changed their name to what everybody knew 'em as

Bsdb Hsjsn

Git it

Bsdb Hsjsn

Qqn