About the song
Introduction
“Workin’ Man Blues” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in May 1969 as the second single from the album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. The song was released during his early peak and became one of several signature songs during his career. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and George Strait.
Background
Haggard wrote “Workin’ Man Blues” as a tribute to the working class. He was inspired to write the song after reading a newspaper article about a man who had been laid off from his job. Haggard himself had come from a working-class background, and he knew the struggles that working people faced. The song is a powerful anthem for the working class, and it speaks to the pride and dignity of working people.
Themes
The song’s themes of working-class pride and solidarity resonate with many people, and it has become a staple of country music. The song is a reminder of the importance of hard work and the value of the working class. It is also a song about the challenges that working people face, and it offers hope and encouragement to those who are struggling.
Legacy
“Workin’ Man Blues” is considered one of Haggard’s greatest songs, and it has been praised by critics and fans alike. The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the National Recording Registry. It is also one of the most covered songs in country music history.
Conclusion
“Workin’ Man Blues” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the heart of the working class. It is a song that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The song is a reminder of the importance of hard work and the value of the working class. It is also a song about the challenges that working people face, and it offers hope and encouragement to those who are struggling.
In addition to the above, here are some additional details about the song:
- The song is written in the key of A major and has a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute.
- The song’s instrumentation is typical of a country music song, with acoustic guitars, steel guitars, and fiddle.
- Haggard’s vocals are strong and passionate, and he delivers the song with conviction.
- The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they tell the story of a working man who is struggling to make ends meet.
“Workin’ Man Blues” is a classic country music song that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever worked hard for a living. It is a song about the struggles and triumphs of the working class, and it is a song that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Video
Lyrics
“Workin’ Man Blues”
It’s a big job just gettin’ by with nine kids and a wife
I been a workin’ man dang near all my life
I’ll be working long as my two hands are fit to use
I’ll drink my beer in a tavern,
Sing a little bit of these working man bluesI keep my nose on the grindstone, I work hard every day
Might get a little tired on the weekend, after I draw my pay
But I’ll go back workin, come Monday morning I’m right back with the crew
I’ll drink a little beer that evening,
Sing a little bit of these working man bluesHey hey, the working man, the working man like me
I ain’t never been on welfare, that’s one place I won’t be
Cause I’ll be working long as my two hands are fit to use
I drink a little beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these working man bluesSometimes I think about leaving, do a little bummin around
I wanna throw my bills out the window catch a train to another town
But I go back working I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes
Yeah drink a little beer in a tavern,
Cry a little bit of these working man bluesHey hey, the working man, the working man like me
I ain’t never been on welfare, that’s one place I won’t be
Cause I’ll be working long as my two hands are fit to use
I drink a little beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these working man blues
Yeah drink a little beer in a tavern,
Cry a little bit of these working man blues