A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today
Merle Haggard
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For years I've been busting my rear to make a living But it ain't made For years I've been trying to pay off my bills But they ain't paid Oh every dime I make, every soul I know Hire by reach, the farther down I go This old broken back of mine is all I've got to show And anyway A working man can't get nowhere today Lord, a working man get nowhere today A working man ain't got no time to play Today I work my fanny off and leave it lay A working man can't get nowhere today I paid my income tax And the government gives back But I got coming but it ain't much I paid my child support 'Cause I'm a law abiding sort and an easy touch And I starve my self to death Trying to keep my family fed I keep my budget tight, trying to get myself ahead But I'll still be deep in debt the day that I fall dead That's why I say Lord, a working man can't get nowhere today A working man can't get nowhere today A working man ain't got no time to play Tonight I work my fanny off and leave it lay A working man can't get nowhere today A working man can't get nowhere today
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10 facts about this song
Album Information"A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today" is a track on the 17th album by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. The album was released in 1977.
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Chart Performance DetailsAlthough the song was not released as a single, the album of the same name rose to number one on the Billboard country album charts for several weeks in mid-1976.
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Songwriter CreditMerle Haggard himself wrote the song "A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today", showcasing his songwriting talent along with his performance skills.
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Genre and StyleThe song is a classic country ballad, characterized by its melancholic tone and narrative style of storytelling, a signature of many of Haggard's works.
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Relevant ThemesThe song touches upon the themes of labor, financial struggle, and the working-class experience, which are recurrent themes in Merle Haggard's discography.
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Reflection of Haggard's Own LifeThe lyrics of the song reflect Haggard's own experiences, having been a part of the working class himself. This authenticity has contributed to the appeal and relatability of his songs.
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Use of Traditional Country InstrumentsThe song features traditional country instruments like the pedal steel guitar and fiddle, indicative of Haggard's attachment to the roots of country music.
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Influence on Country MusicHaggard's song has been cited as influential on future country music, for its honest portrayal of working-class struggles.
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Album ArtThe album cover features a photo of Haggard, appearing weary and reflective, which sets the tone for the song and the entire album.
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Release FormatThe album was initially released as an LP record and 8-track tape, typical of the time. It has since been reissued on CD and is available for streaming.
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Citation
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"A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5270444/Merle+Haggard/A+Working+Man+Can%27t+Get+Nowhere+Today>.
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