"Get Behind the Mule" - glorify my hard work with some appropriate songs
July 18, 2014 5:16 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for music that is about working hard (even if there are other themes and meanings as well, as in the title example), and isn't complaining about it. The Tom Waits song named qualifies, as would Lizzo's "W.E.R.K.", if that gives you an idea of both the range of music I am open to hearing and how far I'm willing to stretch the theme. Your ideas are appreciated.
We're the first ones to starve, we're the first ones to die
The first ones in line for that pie-in-the-sky
And we're always the last when the cream is shared out
For the worker is working when the fat cat's about
posted by Rock Steady at 5:31 AM on July 18, 2014
The first ones in line for that pie-in-the-sky
And we're always the last when the cream is shared out
For the worker is working when the fat cat's about
posted by Rock Steady at 5:31 AM on July 18, 2014
I have one thing to say: You Better Work
posted by Metroid Baby at 5:48 AM on July 18, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Metroid Baby at 5:48 AM on July 18, 2014 [3 favorites]
Sam Cooke, Chain Gang.
Tom Waits' cover of Heigh Ho may also appeal.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:09 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Tom Waits' cover of Heigh Ho may also appeal.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:09 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Styx - Blue Collar Man
Huey Lewis and the News - Workin for a livin'
Are both fine examples.
But, really, you need this:
Rush - Working Man
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 6:12 AM on July 18, 2014
Huey Lewis and the News - Workin for a livin'
Are both fine examples.
But, really, you need this:
Rush - Working Man
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 6:12 AM on July 18, 2014
Best answer: Jay-Z's "On To The Next One" is about getting paid and then moving on to the next gig.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:30 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 6:30 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
XTC's Love on a Farmboy's Wages
Also from XTC, Paper and Iron (Notes and Coins)
Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster
posted by Koko at 6:47 AM on July 18, 2014
Also from XTC, Paper and Iron (Notes and Coins)
Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster
posted by Koko at 6:47 AM on July 18, 2014
Joe Jackson - Instant Mash
Even better if you work in a grocery store.
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:33 AM on July 18, 2014
Even better if you work in a grocery store.
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:33 AM on July 18, 2014
Best answer: Palace Music - Work Hard Play Hard
posted by chbrooks at 7:44 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by chbrooks at 7:44 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hard Working Dog from Sesame Street. "All I know how to do is take a hundred cows and teach 'em some manners!"
posted by workerant at 7:49 AM on July 18, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by workerant at 7:49 AM on July 18, 2014 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Howe Gelb's That's How Things Get Done.
I offer you this wonderful song on condition that you don't play it in a corporate motivational setting.
posted by distorte at 8:17 AM on July 18, 2014
I offer you this wonderful song on condition that you don't play it in a corporate motivational setting.
posted by distorte at 8:17 AM on July 18, 2014
Carbin Hanner - Work Song (aka "Monday"). Hey, my wife's from the the Pittsburgh area.
posted by Emanuel at 1:56 PM on July 18, 2014
posted by Emanuel at 1:56 PM on July 18, 2014
There's all of the songs in Working, the musical. (I was Rose Hoffman in my high school production! My classroom was always a showplace, you guys.)
posted by prewar lemonade at 2:25 PM on July 18, 2014
posted by prewar lemonade at 2:25 PM on July 18, 2014
Van Morrison-Enlightenment
posted by LaBellaStella at 4:46 PM on July 18, 2014
posted by LaBellaStella at 4:46 PM on July 18, 2014
When Will My Life Begin from Tangled is the preferred "let's clean the living room!" song for me and my kids. Also, Happy Working Song from Enchanted. Continuing down this path, I suppose Heigh, Ho! is inevitable.
posted by libraryhead at 5:30 PM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by libraryhead at 5:30 PM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Pogo_Fuzzybut beat me to it, but I it's worth reiterating that Working Man is exactly what you're looking for.
posted by nixxon at 5:59 PM on July 18, 2014
posted by nixxon at 5:59 PM on July 18, 2014
Best answer: Five O'Clock World - The Vogues
Car Wash - Rose Royce
Morning Train (Nine to Five) - Sheena Easton
posted by SisterHavana at 10:25 PM on July 18, 2014
Car Wash - Rose Royce
Morning Train (Nine to Five) - Sheena Easton
posted by SisterHavana at 10:25 PM on July 18, 2014
Are you including the wish for a dream job?
"I Wanna Be A Lifeguard" by Blotto.
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:24 PM on July 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
"I Wanna Be A Lifeguard" by Blotto.
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:24 PM on July 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
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posted by bimbam at 5:18 AM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]