About the song
Background
- Released in 1993, “Hard Workin’ Man” was the title track and first single from Brooks & Dunn’s second studio album of the same name.
- The song was written by Ronnie Dunn, one half of the duo.
- It became a major hit, peaking at number four on the US Country charts.
- In 2019, Brooks & Dunn even re-recorded the song with country music duo Brothers Osborne for their album Reboot.
Themes
The song celebrates the life of a hardworking man who dedicates his weekdays to his job and lets loose on the weekends.
Here’s a breakdown of some key themes:
- Work ethic: The song portrays a strong work ethic, with the protagonist being the “first to arrive” and “all business” during the week.
- Work-life balance: The lyrics highlight the contrast between the dedication to work during the week and the desire to unwind and have fun on the weekends.
- Simple pleasures: The song suggests that the man finds enjoyment in the simple things, like spending his paycheck on “weekend beauty.”
- Resilience: The line “burnin’ my candle at both ends” implies the man pushes himself hard, but also finds the determination to keep going (“outrun the wind”).
Overall, “Hard Workin’ Man” is a classic country anthem that captures the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and finding enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures.
Video
Lyrics
I’m a hard workin’ manI wear a steel hard hatI can ride, rope, hammer and paintDo things with my hands that most men can’tI can’t get ahead no matter how hard I tryI’m gettin’ really good at barely gettin’ by
Got everything I ownBy the sweat of my browFrom my four-wheel drive to my cowboy bootsI owe it all to my blue collar rootsI feel like I’m workin’ overtime on a runaway trainI’ve got to bust loose from this ball and chain
I’m a hard, hard workin manI got it all on the lineFor a peace of the promised landI’m burnin’ my candle at both ends‘Bout the only way to keep the fire goin’Is to outrun the wind
Come Friday nightI like to party hardI carry on with the Cadillac cutiesSpend my whole week’s pay on some weekend beautyCome Monday mornin’ I’m the first to arriveI ain’t nothin’ but business from nine till five
I’m a hard, hard workin manI got it all on the lineFor a peace of the promised landI’m burnin’ my candle at both ends‘Bout the only way to keep the fire goin’Is to outrun the wind
I can’t wait to get up in the mornin’And do it all over againWell I’m a hard livin’, hard workin’ man