Workin' Man Blues

Merle Haggard

About Workin' Man Blues

"Workin' Man Blues" is a song written and performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. 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.


Year:
2001
2:46
83 

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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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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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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.
Song Release
"Workin' Man Blues" was released in May 1969 as the lead single from his album "A Portrait of Merle Haggard."
Chart Performance
The 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.
Song Genre
Classified 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.
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.
Song Legacy
This song has since been covered by several artists, including country singers Lee Roy Parnell and Albert Lee, showing its enduring appeal.
Notable Lyrics
Notably, 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.
Songwriting
Haggard 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.
Certification
In 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.
Accolades
Merle 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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