About the song

Roy Orbison was one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th century. Although his career was cut short by tragedy, he left behind a legacy of classic songs that continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. One of Orbison’s most popular songs is “Working for the Man”, a powerful ballad that captures the frustration and alienation of working-class people.

The song was released in 1962 as the B-side of Orbison’s single “Dream Baby”. It quickly became a fan favorite, and it has since been covered by many artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and The Clash.

“Working for the Man” is a simple song, but it is also a powerful one. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is tired of being exploited by his boss. He is fed up with working long hours for low pay, and he is determined to find a better way of life.

The song’s message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a reminder that even when things are tough, there is always hope for a better future.

The song’s lyrics are also notable for their use of vivid imagery. Orbison paints a picture of a world that is both oppressive and bleak. The “man” in the song is a symbol of all the forces that keep people down, from big business to the government.

The song’s music is also powerful. The driving beat and Orbison’s soaring vocals create a sense of urgency and excitement. The song builds to a crescendo, as the man in the song finally decides to stand up for himself.

“Working for the Man” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful message of hope and resilience, and it is a reminder that even when things are tough, there is always hope for a better future.

Some additional details about the song:

  • The song was written by Orbison and Joe Melson.
  • It was released in 1962 as the B-side of the single “Dream Baby”.
  • The song has been covered by many artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and The Clash.
  • The song is featured in the 1987 film “The Untouchables”.

Some interesting facts about Roy Orbison:

  • Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1936.
  • He began his musical career as a rockabilly singer in the late 1950s.
  • Orbison had a string of hit singles in the early 1960s, including “Oh, Pretty Woman”, “Crying”, and “In Dreams”.
  • Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
  • He died in 1988 at the age of 52.

Video

Lyrics

Hey now you better listen to me everyone of youWe got a lotta, lotta, lotta, lotta work to doForget about your woman and that water canToday were working for the man
Well pick up your feetWe’ve got a deadline to meetI’m gonna see you make it on timeDon’t relaxI want elbows and backsI want to see everybody from behind
‘Cause your working for the man working for the manYou gotta make him a hand when you’re working for the man
So I’m pickin’ ’em up and I’m laying ’em downI believe he’s gonna work me into the groundI pull to the left, I heave to the rightI want to kill him but it wouldn’t be right
‘Cause I’m working for the man, working for the manI gotta make him a hand when you’re working for the man
Well the boss man’s daughter sneaks me waterEvery time her daddy’s down the lineShe says meet me tonight love a me rightAnd everything is gonna be fineSo I slave all day without much payAnd I’m just biding my time‘Cause the company and the daughter, you seeThey’re both gonna be all mine
Yah I’m gonna be the man, I’m gonna be the manGotta make him a hand if I’m gonna be the man
Working for the man, working for the manI gotta make him a handWorking for the man

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *