The middle of the song features an extensive instrumental jam with two guitar solos by Alex Lifeson and freestyle bass playing by Geddy Lee. It was voted 94th in Guitar World magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitar solos.
Two versions of the song are available as downloadable tracks for the music video game series Rock Band. One is a cover based on the original recording, while the other is a never before released master track with an alternate guitar solo. The alternate version proved so popular that the band released it on the iTunes Store.
This song is played in the fourth Supernatural episode, "Phantom Traveler".
This song is played in the episode "Get a Real Job" of the television show, My Name Is Earl.
This song is played in an episode of That 70's Show.
Sebastian Bach covered the song on his solo album Bach 2: Basics.
The song was the title for the season four finale of the Trailer Park Boys. In the episode, Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles hijack Rita MacNeil's tour bus and force them to harvest their Cannabis fields at gunpoint. While harvesting, Rita and the rest of her band begin to sing "Working Man" (which Rita McNeil famously covered), much to the annoyance of Ricky.
Audioslave covered this song live
WORKING MAN
Rush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
They call me the workin' man
They call me the workin' man
I guess that's what I am
'Cause I get home at five o'clock
And I take myself out an ice cold beer
Always seem to be wonderin'
Why there's nothin' goin' down here
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
The workin' man
Well, they call me the workin' man
I guess that's what I am
Well, they call me the workin' man
I guess that's what I am
Well, I get up at seven, yeah
And I'll 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 workin' man
Well, they call me the workin' man
I guess that's what I am
They call me the workin' man
I guess that's what I am
The song Working Man by Rush is a classic rock anthem that speaks to the realities of the working class. The song tells the story of a man who works long hours and has no time for anything else. He works from 9-5, and always comes home exhausted. The lyrics suggest that the man feels like he could be living a better life, and wishes that there was more going on in his community. The chorus of the song, "They call me the workin' man, I guess that's what I am," reinforces the idea that the man has accepted his lot in life, and has come to identify as a "workin' man."
In many ways, Working Man is a poem to the blue-collar workers of North America, who work long hours in exchange for a stable income. Rush's lyrics reveal the social and economic pressures that lead people to work hard, and the ways in which work can become a defining aspect of a person's identity.
In conclusion, Working Man is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the realities of working-class life. It is a classic rock anthem that resonates with people all over the world, and its lyrics continue to be relevant today as we grapple with issues around work, identity, and social inequality.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I get up at seven, yeah
I wake up early every morning
And I go to work at nine
I start my job at 9am
I got no time for livin'
I am too busy working to enjoy life
Yes, I'm workin' all the time
I work constantly
It seems to me
In my opinion
I could live my life
I have the potential to enjoy my life
A lot better than I think I am
I may not be aware of how much better my life could be
I guess that's why they call me
My co-workers refer to me as
They call me the workin' man
They refer to me as the employee who is always working
I guess that's what I am
That's my identity
Cause I get home at five o'clock
I finish work at 5pm
And I take myself out an ice cold beer
After a long day at work, I relax with a beer
Always seem to be wonderin'
I often wonder
Why there's nothin' goin' down here
Why there is nothing interesting happening in my life
They call me the workin' man
My colleagues refer to me as someone who works hard
I guess that's what I am
That's my identity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justinhaller7361
One of the hardest opening riffs ever! This song just totally lays the smack down
@blaineedwards8078
This song truly kicks ass, but in my humble opinion, the greatest Rush song is, "By-Tor and the Snow Dog". That entire "Fly By Night" album is just incredibly epic and every song is a masterpiece. Many argue that "2112" is their best album, but to each their own. I will forever cherish "Fly..." as the pinnacle of Rush. KEEP ON ROCKIN'!!!
@PutItAway101
mean fuzz tone
@angelofwar9223
Most definitely right
@rhondadaum8657
@@blaineedwards8078 yes! Im 60 and my boyfriend in highschool turned me on to Rush. He had a black dog named Bytor! Awesome memories ✌
@rodrigocuellar9616
It's like 21st Schizoid Man
@micnorton9487
I don't always listen to Rush, but when I do, SO DOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD...
@7063111
Mic Norton you must have 9 foot speakers in ur garage?
@mitchkann9100
Real music . Love this stuff.
@joesadajr5272
Mic Norton Love it!!!😁