Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
Looking For A Job
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't care who you are
If you don't want to have to hang your own dry wall
Don't push me too far
Boom town work ain't hard to come by
Boom town workers are
You might be the one running the show but
I was looking for a job when I found this one
Don't need the work like you need the work done
You look like you're under pressure
I was looking for a job when I met you
I'm sharing a room with two guys over at the motel 6 boss
Sending every dime I make here home to my ex-wife
Just did two years and 28 days
With a little better aim I'd been in there for my life
So you see, broke won't take much getting used to
Neither will a barb wire jail house wall
Watch what you say to someone with nothing
It's almost like having it all
I was looking for a job when I found this one
Don't need the work like you need the work done
You look like you're under pressure
I was already looking for a job two weeks ago when I met you, remember?
You know what I really ought to get is a job like
You got, chief. you know. driving around
Checking on guys like me. yelling from the window of
A pickup truck with the A/C cranked up and your clothes all
Nice and clean. yeah that might be nice on the other hand
The song "Looking For A Job" by Todd Snider is a commentary on the life of a working-class person who is struggling to make ends meet. The lyrics speak to the frustration that comes with working a difficult job and being treated poorly by a boss who thinks they're in charge. The opening line, "You can't talk to me like that boss," sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer declares that they won't be pushed around just because they need a job. The chorus emphasizes this sentiment, with the singer stating that they "don't need the work like you need the work done."
The second verse provides insight into the singer's personal life, as they reveal that they are living in a motel, sending all their money home to their ex-wife, and recently released from a two-year prison sentence. However, despite these hardships, the singer declares that "broke won't take much getting used to," and that being spoken to disrespectfully is almost like having it all.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the struggles faced by working-class people and the power dynamic between bosses and employees. It conveys the message that just because someone needs a job doesn't mean that they should be treated poorly or taken advantage of.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't talk to me like that boss
I will not tolerate rude behavior from my superior
I don't care who you are
Your rank or authority does not intimidate me
If you don't want to have to hang your own dry wall
Do not push me too hard or I might make you do manual labor
Boom town work ain't hard to come by
Finding work in a thriving city is not difficult
Boom town workers are
There are plenty of people willing to work in a boom town
You might be the one running the show but
You may be the leader, but you are not all-powerful
That don't mean you're in charge
Your position does not give you complete control over me
I was looking for a job when I found this one
I stumbled upon this job whilst seeking employment
Don't need the work like you need the work done
I do not rely as heavily on this job as you do
You look like you're under pressure
You appear stressed and burdened by this job
I was looking for a job when I met you
I was actively job hunting when I ran into you
I'm sharing a room with two guys over at the motel 6 boss
I am living frugally in a budget motel with roommates
Sending every dime I make here home to my ex-wife
I have financial obligations to my former spouse
Just did two years and 28 days
I have recently served a prison sentence
With a little better aim I'd been in there for my life
I narrowly avoided a life sentence with a fortunate lack of accuracy
So you see, broke won't take much getting used to
I am accustomed to a modest financial situation
Neither will a barb wire jail house wall
I have experience with incarceration and living behind bars
Watch what you say to someone with nothing
Beware of insulting or belittling someone who has nothing to lose
It's almost like having it all
Freedom from worldly possessions can be liberating
I was already looking for a job two weeks ago when I met you, remember?
I had already been on the job hunt for a while when we first crossed paths
You know what I really ought to get is a job like
I think it might be nice to have a job like
You got, chief. you know. driving around
Your position, driving around and supervising, is appealing to me
Checking on guys like me. yelling from the window of
Inspecting and shouting from a vehicle passing by
A pickup truck with the A/C cranked up and your clothes all
A comfortable, air-conditioned pickup truck where you look presentable
Nice and clean. yeah that might be nice on the other hand
On the other hand, such a job may not be fulfilling or meaningful
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: David Hicks, Todd Daniel Snider
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind