WORKING MAN
Rush (Alex Lifeson) Lyrics
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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 a ice, cold beer
Always seem to be wond'rin'
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
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
I get up at seven, yeah
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
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, written by Alex Lifeson, is an anthem for blue-collar workers. The lyrics describe the daily routine of a working-class individual who wakes up early, works long hours, and comes home tired. The lines "I got no time for livin'" and "Always seem to be wond'rin' / Why there's nothin' goin' down here" express the frustration that comes with having a monotonous job and feeling like life is passing by without any excitement.
However, the lyrics also suggest a longing for a better life, as the singer believes that he could live his life "a lot better than I think I am." This sentiment is echoed in the chorus, which repeats the phrase "They call me the workin' man / I guess that's what I am." The singer is proud to be a hardworking individual but also acknowledges that there's more to life than just work.
Overall, "Working Man" is a tribute to the working-class and a reminder that there's value in hard work and perseverance. At the same time, it encourages listeners to strive for something beyond the daily grind.
Line by Line Meaning
I get up at seven, yeah
I wake up early in the morning at seven
And I go to work at nine
By nine o'clock, I start my work for the day
I got no time for livin'
I don't have much time for leisure activities
Yes, I'm workin' all the time
I'm always working
It seems to me
From my perspective
I could live my life
I have the potential to live a better life
A lot better than I think I am
Much better than what I currently perceive
I guess that's why they call me
This is probably the reason why I'm called
They call me the workin' man
I'm known as the person who works hard
They call me the workin' man
I am referred to as the working man
I guess that's what I am
That's how I define myself
'Cause I get home at five o'clock
Because I finish my workday by five o'clock
And I take myself out a ice, cold beer
I like to have a cold beer by myself
Always seem to be wond'rin'
I'm constantly wondering
Why there's nothin' goin' down here
Why there's no excitement or activity happening
Well they call me the workin' man
I'm known as the person who works hard
I guess that's what I am
That's how I define myself
They call me the workin' man
I am referred to as the working man
I guess that's what I am
That's how I define myself
I get up at seven, yeah
I wake up early in the morning at seven
And I go to work at nine
By nine o'clock, I start my work for the day
I got no time for livin'
I don't have much time for leisure activities
Yes, I'm workin' all the time
I'm always working
It seems to me
From my perspective
I could live my life
I have the potential to live a better life
A lot better than I think I am
Much better than what I currently perceive
I guess that's why they call me
This is probably the reason why I'm called
They call me the workin' man
I'm known as the person who works hard
Well they call me the workin' man
I'm known as the person who works hard
I guess that's what I am
That's how I define myself
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: ALEX ZIVOJINOVICH, GARY LEE WEINRIB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind