It’s Workaholics Day—July 5, the one day we pause to salute the folks who live to work, not work to live. But if you’re reading this on your break or hiding behind a spreadsheet, take comfort: music gets it. From Dolly Parton’s 9-to-5 grind to Johnny Paycheck’s famous resignation letter in song form, here are 10 tracks that capture the triumph, exhaustion, and absurdity of working life. Whether you’re chasing a dream or just chasing the weekend, these songs know your hustle.
“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
The ultimate anthem for office warriors everywhere. With wit, charm, and a typewriter beat, Dolly captures the daily grind and the dream of something more.
“Allentown” – Billy Joel
A steel-town story set to a pounding piano. Joel chronicles the collapse of American manufacturing and the quiet resilience of workers left behind.
“Career Opportunities” – The Clash
A punk-fueled rejection of dead-end jobs and hollow promises. The Clash turn career disillusionment into a battle cry.
“Get a Job” – The Silhouettes
This doo-wop classic from 1957 mixes sharp harmonies with a jab at postwar job pressures. It’s catchy, ironic, and still relevant.
“I Can’t Wait to Get Off Work” – Tom Waits
A weary ode to the restaurant shift life. Waits rasps through the cigarette smoke of after-hours dreams and just wanting the day to end.
“Manic Monday” – The Bangles
Written by Prince, this new wave hit captures the dread of Monday morning after a dreamy Sunday, dressed up in jangly guitars and harmonies.
“She Works Hard for the Money” – Donna Summer
A disco-powered tribute to working women everywhere. Summer belts out respect for those pulling double shifts and getting little in return.
“Take This Job and Shove It” – Johnny Paycheck
Country’s most iconic quit notice. Paycheck’s honky-tonk kiss-off struck a chord with every fed-up employee who’s dreamed of walking out.
“Welcome to the Working Week” – Elvis Costello
Short, sharp, and sarcastic. Costello’s punk-era jab packs a week’s worth of frustration into just over a minute.
“Workin’ for a Livin’” – Huey Lewis and the News
A high-energy rock ‘n’ roll tribute to everyday hustle. With lyrics like “busboy, bartender, ladies of the night,” Huey sings for all of us grinding to get by.
“Working for the Weekend” – Loverboy
A red-bandana-wearing anthem for clocking out and turning up. Few songs better capture the thrill of Friday at 5:00 p.m.