Workin' Man Blues
Merle Haggard
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It's a big job just gettin' by with nine kids and a wife But I've been workin' man, dang near all my life but I'll keep workin' 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 blues I keep my nose on the grindstone, I work hard every day I might get a little tired on the weekend, after I draw my pay Then 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 blues Sometimes I think about leaving, do a little bummin' around I want to throw my bills out the window catch a train to another town I'll go back working, I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes I drink a little beer in a tavern Cry a little bit of these working man blues, here comes that workin' man Well, hey, hey, the working man, the working man like me I ain't never been on welfare, 'n that's one place I won't be I'll be working long as my two hands are fit to use I'll drink my little beer in a tavern Sing a little bit of these working man blues, this song for the workin' man
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Written by: MERLE HAGGARD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Workin' Man Blues" was performed by American country artist, Merle Haggard. Haggard is also a songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler, known for his contributions to the Bakersfield Sound, a country music sub-genre.
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Song Release"Workin' Man Blues" was released in May 1969 as the lead single from his album "A Portrait of Merle Haggard."
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Chart PerformanceThe classic song hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, making it Haggard's sixth No.1 on the U.S. country singles chart.
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Song GenreClassified under the Bakersfield Sound sub-genre of country music, "Workin' Man Blues" is known for featuring electric guitar and pedal steel guitar, with an upbeat rhythm compared to traditional country music.
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Song Meaning"Workin' Man Blues" is a tribute to the core values of the hard-working, blue-collar American living, reflecting Merle Haggard's own experiences growing up.
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Song LegacyThis song has since been covered by several artists, including country singers Lee Roy Parnell and Albert Lee, showing its enduring appeal.
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Notable LyricsNotably, the song includes the lyrics, "I ain't never been on welfare, that's one place I won't be". This line aligned Haggard with the Silent Majority who felt the same during the time period it was released and helped to popularize his music among that audience.
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SongwritingHaggard was inspired to write "Workin' Man Blues" due in part to his own background of manual labor jobs before he made it big in country music.
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CertificationIn recognition of Merle Haggard’s contribution to country music and the popularity of "Workin' Man Blues," he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
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AccoladesMerle Haggard won various awards throughout his career, showcasing the huge impact of songs like "Workin' Man Blues" within the country music scene. These include Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1970 and Academy of Country Music’s Top Male Vocalist in 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1970.
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"Workin' Man Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4058854/Merle+Haggard/Workin%27+Man+Blues>.
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