The Pessimist: The 20 Greatest Songs About Work
You might hate your job, but there’s nothing like a good song to make you feel like you’re not alone. (I mean, except when you think about it, and realize that the musicians who performed the song probably no longer have to work in an office, and are most likely drinking Champagne with supermodels in a brand-new Learjet 85, while you’re eating off-brand corn chips you bought from a convenience store that the health department should have closed down a long time ago.)
The point is, labor has been the single most popular subject of pop songs for decades (besides girls, cars, alcohol, parties, religion, and about 10,000 other things). So below, we’ve collected 20 of the best songs about the working life. Think of it as an extremely depressing playlist, like if your local radio station hired a German film director as its morning drive-time DJ. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments! (But be nice, or we’ll tell your boss you’re goldbricking again.) ...
Take a look at the list. Any songs you would add?
How about Johnny Cash's "One Piece at a Time?"
Posted by: ceemac | Feb 22, 2013 at 09:56 AM
Also think I'd add Springsteen's "Youngstown"
Posted by: ceemac | Feb 22, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Both great nominees. My nominee for number #1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCJjJJRHA48
How did the miss the Seven Dwarfs and Heigh Ho?
Posted by: Michael W. Kruse | Feb 22, 2013 at 01:11 PM
"one's on the way" came just as I was in the midst of raising my six children. I love that song. But there is an old hymn my sister used to sing to me when we were doing dishes as teens, and she always made me ma: ), "Work for the night is coming."
Posted by: Viola Larson | Feb 22, 2013 at 09:38 PM
I meant mad.
Posted by: Viola Larson | Feb 22, 2013 at 09:39 PM
Or better yet, Whistle while you Work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIwa9sPFT5I
Posted by: Steve | Feb 23, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Ask any Australian and only one song comes to mind: 'Working Class Man' by Jimmy Barnes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=erSJGrpfnOI
Posted by: Cameron | Feb 23, 2013 at 02:04 PM
Thanks, Cameron. I hadn't heard that one.
Posted by: Michael W. Kruse | Feb 23, 2013 at 03:37 PM
If you're ever in Australia it's kind of important! In fact, it turns out the words to our National Anthem fit the tune of 'Working Class Man' quite nicely, and it's not uncommon to hear the anthem sung that way.
(There is a US connection: whilst it is associated with Jimmy Barnes, it was written by Jonathon Cain from Journey. That's about as American as you can get!)
Posted by: Cameron | Feb 23, 2013 at 09:09 PM