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Headache Records - label website
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WORKING MAN
The Wretched Ones Lyrics
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Workin' every day
Doing what I am told
To get my pay
Workin', breaking my back
That's all I do
But I'm not complaining
It's alright
Cause that's life
Let's go
I'm just a workin' man
My blue collar is full of grime
Seems like I'm working all of the time
Sometimes I think I use my hands more than my head
But I'll just keep workin' away until I'm dead
It's alright
Cause that's life
Let's go
I'm just a workin' man
On Monday morning I'll be at work on time
My boss tells me I'm doin' fine
I may not have a future here
But I'll always have my friends and a nice cold Schaefer beer
Its alright
That's life
Let's go
I said it's alright
That's life
C'mon let's go
I'm just a workin' man
The Wretched Ones' song, "Working Man," is a poignant and emotionally charged depiction of working-class life. The lyrics speak to the struggles and hardships faced by the working man as he toils away day after day, doing what he is told in order to earn his pay. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer laments the brunt of his labor, "Workin', breaking my back, that's all I do, but I'm not complaining, I'm just telling you." The second verse reveals the singer's exhaustion and believes that he uses his hands more than his head, but he'll never stop working until he's dead.
Despite the backbreaking labor and endless work hours, the singer remains steadfast with a sense of determination and pride in his work. He acknowledges that life is hard, but that's how it is, and he's content with his lot in life. The chorus delivers this message with conviction, "It's alright, cause that's life, let's go." The final verse gives a glimpse of hope in the singer's life - he may not have a future in his job, but he values the companionship of his friends and a cold beer. The song's emotional impact is deepened by its stripped-down, raw instrumentation, giving the listener a glimpse into the world of the working man.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just a workin' man
I am an employed person who earns a living by doing physical work
Workin' every day
I am performing a job on a daily basis
Doing what I am told
I am obeying orders given to me by my employer
To get my pay
My primary motivation is to receive my salary for my services
Workin', breaking my back
I am toiling strenuously and enduring physical discomfort while working
That's all I do
My occupation is my entire life's focus
But I'm not complaining
I am not expressing discontent or grievances despite my fatigue
I'm just telling you
I am only imparting facts about my job and my circumstances
It's alright
I am at ease with my situation
Cause that's life
Working hard is just a part of life and survival
Let's go
I am ready to proceed with my labor
My blue collar is full of grime
My work clothes are stained with dirt and filth
Seems like I'm working all of the time
I feel like my job occupies all of my time and energy
Sometimes I think I use my hands more than my head
I rely more on manual ability than mental capacity for my profession
But I'll just keep workin' away until I'm dead
I will persist working diligently for the rest of my life
On Monday morning I'll be at work on time
I will be punctual for my job on Monday morning
My boss tells me I'm doin' fine
My employer comments positively on my work performance
I may not have a future here
There could be doubt about the duration of my employment at this place
But I'll always have my friends and a nice cold Schaefer beer
Even if I lose this job, I will have the companionship of my friends and enjoy my favorite beer
C'mon let's go
Let's work industriously now
I said it's alright
Again, I am content with my lot in life
Writer(s): MERLE HAGGARD
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.