Happy Labor Day! While the majority of working Americans are basking in the last unofficial day of summer, many are not. People whom work in fields such as restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality find themselves still working to keep civilization going (and believe us, we thank you). So for them and for all of us who put in the daily grind, enjoy these ten songs about kicking tail to keep afloat.
10. Lee Brice – “Drinking Class.’ The newest song on the list, Brice embraces the blue collar and highlights the pride that comes with putting in tough hours.
9. Johnny Cash – ‘Oney.’ Starting off with a brief prelude for the working man, the Man in Black sings of what we would all love to do – getting back at the coworker who made their life a living hell.
8. Alabama – ‘Workin’ For a Livin.’ Embracing those who put in 40 hours (or more) a week, Alabama highlights and thanks those we may not celebrate – Detroit autoworkers, Pittsburgh steelworkers, waitress’ and everyone who works behind the scenes.
7. Jason Aldean – ‘Amarillo Sky.’ Jason Aldean has to be respected for this number from his debut album – a true tribute to those who put food on our tables, Aldean emphasizes on the hardworking and dedicated work ethic of farmers, even showcasing a few at the intro of the music video.
6. Johnny Paycheck – ‘Take This Job and Shove It.’ Johnny Paycheck blatantly summarizing how most people feel on an average working day. But yet we press on, knowing that the bills (no matter how many times we tear them up and cry) still keep coming.
5. Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffet – ‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.’ It’s the song that celebrates Happy Hour! Nothing feels better than kicking back with a fruity drink or a few beers after a hard day, and Jackson recruited the King of Good Times Jimmy Buffet to bring this song to the top of the charts.
4. Alan Jackson – ‘Hard Hat and a Hammer.’ Somehow we were capable of limiting to only two Alan Jackson songs on this list, as the native Georgian is a proud supporter of those who bust their tail for a living. He should know a thing or two about that himself – before his wife slipped Glen Campbell a copy of Jackson’s demo, Jackson worked a forklift at Kmart and in the mailroom of the now defunct The Nashville Network.
3. Kenny Chesney – ‘Shift Work.’ Chesney put a humorous spin to the chorus of this beachey dedication to those who work ‘7-3, 3-11, 11-7.”
2. Merle Haggard – ‘Working Man Blues.’ The Hag was never a fan of frill and fluff, and his signature style is prominent in this 1969 classic. It’s an anthem for those who put in labor, displaying a hard work effort while raising a wife and finding a release. Who doesn’t relate to that?
1. Dolly Parton – ‘9 to 5.’ Written as the theme for the 1980’s classic of the same name, this tune became an anthem for office workers everywhere. And it added to Parton’s notoriety, garnering her an Academy Award nomination and four GRAMMY nominations (winning two for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Vocal Performance, Female”).
Did we miss your favorite blue collar song? Let us know in the comments.