"If I'd done it for the money, I'd have been a f**ing lawyer"

June 19, 2013 11:53 AM

[playlist filter] I'm looking for songs that are about staying true to your art, about putting in the work, and not caring about the rewards. The kind of song that makes you want to stay us all night working on a painting or novel or whatever. Been really into "Make the Money" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, so looking for music in the same vein.

Have a writing deadline coming up, can you tell? :)

posted by Calicatt to Media & Arts (20 answers total)

I'm not sure if it's lyrically the right thing, but the Beastie Boys' "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win"?
posted by brennen at 12:03 PM on June 19, 2013

Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But - Arctic Monkeys
(!!!)
posted by fireandthud at 12:05 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Finishing the Hat, from Sunday In The Park With George is all about this

(eta - but it's not anywhere near the same vein musically as Macklemore)
posted by Mchelly at 12:14 PM on June 19, 2013

Gabriel Teodros - Lovework
Blue Scholars - Proletariat Blues
posted by sunset in snow country at 12:14 PM on June 19, 2013

Does Paul Anka's My Way (as popularized by Sinatra) count?
posted by backwards guitar at 12:29 PM on June 19, 2013

Primal Scream: Keep your dreams
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:35 PM on June 19, 2013

The Wrens - This Boy is Exhausted
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2013

Salvation Song by The Avett Brothers

Great idea for a playlist!
posted by Hopeful and Cynical at 1:13 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Murs -- H-U-S-T-L-E
Gang Starr - Work
Scarface - On My Grind
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:48 PM on June 19, 2013

Jigsaw by Ryan Sheridan. He's not so well-known outside Ireland yet but this is a great song and I think the first verse fits in well with what you're looking for!
posted by cornflakegirl at 2:21 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Ooo these are great, thanks!
posted by Calicatt at 4:28 PM on June 19, 2013

Funny enough, my friend Adam WarRock actually quit his job as a lawyer to become a rapper. His song Starving Artist pretty perfectly fits your bill.
posted by a.steele at 4:34 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Try This At Home - Frank Turner

I listen to it before doing poetry gigs

I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous - Frank Turner

Tenth Avenue Freeze Out - Bruce Springsteen

Theme from Cheers - Titus Andronicus, kinda


Positive Jam - The Hold Steady

Stay Positive - The Hold Steady

Maybe 'Rock Problems' as well?

The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton - The Mountain Goats

Burn After Writing - The Menzingers
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 5:03 PM on June 19, 2013

Although it's more "Work It" than "Work," Ciara's "Work" featuring Missy Elliott is what I'd want in a movie montage of my time spent toiling away at my desk.
posted by whenbynowandtreebyleaf at 6:20 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Bob Dylan - Nine Days

"If I am only dreamin' then me an' Bob are not that far today. "
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 6:35 PM on June 19, 2013

Joni Mitchell: For Free
posted by Daily Alice at 7:37 PM on June 19, 2013

The Wrens - Everyone Chooses Sides
posted by buddha9090 at 12:49 AM on June 20, 2013

Working to Work - Field Music

(Debatable, but I've always thought this is about defining yourself by what you do after work, not by what you do for a living.)
posted by escapepod at 2:41 AM on June 20, 2013

OH OH I KNOW THIS ONE

Talent Show by the Replacements. At least that's what my drummer husband told me.
posted by Madamina at 6:52 AM on June 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

When am I Going to Make a Living? By Sade.
posted by mai at 7:15 AM on June 20, 2013