This blog post will focus on the 42 best songs about work, jobs and working hard. If you are looking for a bit of motivation to get through that project or if you need some tunes to listen to while you work, then this list is for you!
1. Morning Train (Nine to Five) – Sheena Easton
The song is about the daily grind of working. Although it was released in 1981, the lyrics are still relevant today. The song stresses the importance of having a job and provides a positive message for workers. Anyone who has ever had a job can relate to the lyrics in this tune. Whether you’re clocking in at 9 am or 5 pm, we all have to work sometimes. Thanks for the morale boost that makes working enjoyable!
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2. Shiftwork – Kenny Chesney and George Strait
Working a shiftwork job can be challenging. Sometimes you’re tired and want to go home, but you have to get up and do it all over again the next day. That’s why you should listen to this song by Kenny Chesney and George Strait called “Shiftwork”. It captures that feeling of being worn out from working too hard and happy because you know there is another day coming up where things will be better.
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3. Takin’ Care of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive
This song is sure to get your blood pumping and make you feel motivated to take on whatever challenges come your way. So put on your best work clothes, turn up the volume, and take care of business!
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4. Heigh Ho – The Seven Dwarfs
This is one of the best songs about work that embodies hard work as an essential virtue, as it talks about how to be happy in life, you need to do your best at work. Besides, the song encourages you to keep working to succeed in life.
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5. Workin’ For a Livin’ – Huey Lewis & The News
It’s easy to get discouraged when working hard but not getting anywhere. This song can motivate you to keep working since anything worth having requires hard work, discipline, and commitment.
6. She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer
The song is a celebration of hard work and determination. No matter what life throws your way, if you work hard, you can achieve anything. This song reminds us that we all have the power to create our success. So next time you’re feeling down, crank up “She Works Hard for the Money” and get back to work!
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7. Manic Monday – The Bangles
Do you ever have one of those days where you can’t get going? Everything seems to be a struggle, and it feels like no matter how hard you try, you can’t catch a break? That’s how some Mondays can feel like. However, listening to the “Manic Monday” song can stir up the needed motivation to get your week started right. With its infectious beat and positive lyrics, it’ll have you feeling energized and inspired in no time.
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8. Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
if you’re feeling frustrated about your wages but still need the job anyway or want to enjoy some classic rock, be sure to check out “Money for Nothing.” You won’t be disappointed.
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9. Take This Job and Shove It – Johnny Paycheck
The lyrics of this song are witty, the melody is upbeat, and it has an undeniably catchy hook. Johnny Paycheck says that he doesn’t want to work anymore but does it anyway because he has a family to feed. So, if you need the motivation to keep doing your job even if you do not enjoy it for the sake of meeting ends needs, this song is perfect for you.
10. A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
If you’re feeling exhausted from a long day at work, put on this songs about working and let The Beatles’ catchy beat and lyrics give you a boost of energy. After all, there’s nothing like music to make you feel happy and motivated!
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11. 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton
Suppose there’s one song that perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of working a nine to five job. In that case, it’s Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”. Dolly discusses the importance of being motivated and staying positive despite life’s challenges. She also discusses making sure you have enough money to take care of yourself and those around you and never giving up on your dreams. There are some great lessons that we all can learn from this hit song.
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12. Working Girl – Cher
Are you a working girl? Do you feel like you work hard for your money? If so, you need to listen to the song “Working Girl” by Cher. This song is all about working hard and getting what you want in life. It’s a powerful message that will inspire you to keep fighting and never give up. So if you’re feeling down, listen to this song, and it will give you the boost you need to keep going.
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13. Hands of a Workin’ Man – Zane Williams
We all know that hard work pays off, but it’s not often that we get to see the dividends in action. Despite the struggles, this song motivates you always to keep your head up and stay positive. Listen to this song to remain reminded to persevere at work, be encouraged, and keep pursuing your dreams.
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14. Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man – Travis Tritt
Do the stresses of work leave you feeling drained at the end of the day? Do you sometimes feel like you need a break from it all? If so, you’re not alone. The song reminds us that we all have to go through tough times sometimes, but as long as we keep our faith in God, we’ll eventually make it through. So if you’re feeling down about your job, this is the song to listen to to stay motivated and keep working.
15. Whistle While You Work – Adriana Caselotti
I know it can be hard to find a job these days. This is amongst the working hard songs that is an excellent reminder of how lucky you are to have a job. Thus, the lyrics emphasize that work does not need to be dull as long as you focus on what makes your work enjoyable. Listen to this song to get reminded to appreciate your job and keep working.
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16. Assembly Line – Randy Montana
Anybody who has ever had a job knows that work can sometimes be repetitive and mundane. But there’s no need to feel down about it – because you’re not alone. “Assembly Line” song that perfectly captures the joys and frustrations of working for someone else. If you’re looking for a catchy tune to get you through your next shift, this is it!
17. Five O’Clock World – The Vogues
This song describes the feeling of dread you get when you know it’s time for work, but also how rewarding your job is after a long day at work because there are so many people waiting for you at home who need your love and support. So next time you’re feeling down about work, listen to this song with an open mind and see what happens!
18. Workin’ Man Blues – Merle Haggard
The lyrics talk about how hard work is good for the soul and how there are no shortcuts for success in life. If you want to be successful, get ready to put in some serious hours at the office or on the farm. If you need a reminder of why we should never take our jobs for granted, listen up to these hard-working songs!
19. Hard Way to Make an Easy Living – Toby Keith
The lyrics are about how life can be a struggle, and it’s not always easy to make a living. It’s no secret that a long history of hard work and dedication are behind every successful person. The song paints a realistic picture of the tough road many of us travel every day to be successful and offers hope that it’s worth it. Thus, the song is worth listening to, especially when times are tough and need to be re-energized to keep going.
20. Worker’s Song – Dropkick Murphys
This song perfectly captures the joy and pain of work, and it will speak to anyone who has ever put in a hard day’s work. Whether you’re a factory worker, a farmer, or someone who works hard for your family, this song is for you. It will make you feel proud to have worked hard all your life, and it will remind you that the labor of workers makes our world go round.
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21. Beer on the Table – Josh Thompson
In this song, he assures us that if we take time out from our busy lives to enjoy life’s little pleasures like drinking beer with friends or going fishing with family members, we can have more energy and be more productive at work. Listening to this song can encourage you to have a good work balance and create leisure time.
22. Smoke Break – Carrie Underwood
Are you tired of working? Do you need a break? Carrie Underwood has the perfect song for you. “Smoke Break” is about taking a break from work and relaxing. The song is catchy and will have you singing along in no time. Listen to it while you’re on your vacation or after work to help you relax. You deserve it!
23. Busy Man – Billy Ray Cyrus
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your job, this song is definitely for you. So take a break from work and give it a listen! You may be surprised how much it resonates with you and help you keep working.
24. Working Man’s Ph.D. – Aaron Tippin
You probably don’t think of your job as a source of pleasure, but it’s something that must be done to support yourself and your family. Thus, If you’re feeling down about your job, take a listen to this song and let Aaron Tippin remind you that there is nothing wrong.
25. Cats in the Cradle – Ugly Kid Joe
The song is about a father who spends too much time at work and not enough with his son and eventually regrets it. It’s a powerful reminder that we should never take our family for granted because they might not be there when we finally have time for them. If you’re looking for moving yet catchy working hard songs on listening to while you’re at work, then this is it.
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26. Hey, Mister (I Need This Job) – Shenandoah
If you’re feeling down about your job but have to work anyway, this song will remind you that you’re not alone. It’s also a great way to show your appreciation for those who work hard despite their dislike of it. So next time you’re feeling bogged down by work put on this song and give it your all!
27. Epiphany – Taylor Swift
The song is among the working hard songs suitable for anyone who has ever felt overworked, underpaid, or just generally dissatisfied with their job. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles and that there’s hope for us all. If you’re feeling down about your career, or if you’re looking for an excellent song to motivate you, be sure to check out “Epiphany.” You won’t regret it!
28. 40 Hour Week – Alabama
Do you ever feel like the workweek is never-ending? That’s what the song “40 Hour Week” by Alabama is about. The song paints a picture of someone exhausted from working long hours and wanting to enjoy life. If that sounds like you, it might be time to consider switching to a 40 hour work week. You’ll get more out of life and be less stressed out in the process. Give it a try!
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29. Cleaning Windows – Van Morrison
Most people spend a lot of time at work, and what is the best way to enjoy that time doing manual labour? Listen to music. This song is perfect for anyone who needs some encouragement during their day. It’s also great for those looking for a new motivational song to keep doing monotonous tasks.
30. Hard Hat and a Hammer – Alan Jackson
This country ballad is all about the satisfaction of a job well done. Whether you’re a construction worker, a farmer, or anything in between, this song is for you! It’s sure to get your feet stomping and your heart racing! So put on your hard hat and get ready to work!
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31. Dear Mama -Tupac Shakur
This song is a tribute to all the mothers who work hard to take care of their families. If you’re a mom or know someone, this song is worth checking out.
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32. Six Days on the Road – Sawyer Brown
The lyrics paint a clear picture of what it’s like to spend your days on the road, driving from town to town and gig to gig. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a truck or stuck in an office chair, this tune will have you tapping your toes and getting your energy to work stirred again.
33. Blowin’ Smoke – Kacey Musgraves
‘Blowin’ Smoke’ is about the all-too-common experience of pretending you’re too busy for anything else but work. If you’ve ever felt like there’s not enough time in the day, this song is for you. It’ll make you feel like you’re not alone in your struggles, and it might even make you laugh a little bit.
34. Family Man – Craig Campbell
Some people spend too much work at the expense of their families. However, this song will show you that it’s possible to have both a fulfilling career and a loving family because as long as you’re willing to put in the time, anything is possible!
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35. God Bless Saturday – Kid Rock
This song is a must-hear for anyone who wants to celebrate the weekend while remembering the importance of working hard. Listen now and let Kid Rock inspire you to work hard all week so you can truly enjoy your Saturdays!
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36. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) – Styx
The song is all about working long hours to make a living, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens to it. If you’re looking for a powerful contemplative song about work, then you need to check out Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) by Styx. You won’t be disappointed.
37. Work Hard, Play Harder – Gretchen Wilson
This is among the best working complex songs that emphasized the need to refuse to let work get in the way of having a good time. It’s the perfect reminder that we need to take some time for ourselves and celebrate life! Thanks, Gretchen, for this upbeat and inspiring tune!
38. Bang on the Drum All Day – Todd Rundgren
This song talks about work and how you should enjoy your job. Todd tells listeners that they shouldn’t take their jobs for granted but embrace them to make each day worth living. Listen to this song to get a positive message about working hard and be encouraged to keep enjoying what you do so that every day has meaning.
39. Working Class Hero – Green Day
This one of the songs about working and the struggles that come with it. It is worth listening since It’s a powerful reminder that you are a working-class hero, no matter what your job may be. Despite the challenges, it’s important to remember that you have something to offer by working hard.
40. Back on the Chain Gang – The Pretenders
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut at work? Like you’re doing the same thing day in and day out, and it’s just not enjoyable anymore? You can break out of that rut and start enjoying your work again by listening to “Back on the Chain Gang.” It’s a great song about work, and it will inspire you to get moving again. So put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and get to work!
41. Work From Home – Fifth Harmony
Are you looking for a new work from home song? “Work from Home” is an upbeat and motivating song that will get you moving and pumped up for your next task. With its catchy chorus and driving beat, this song is sure to keep you inspired all day long.
42. Rush – Working Man
Looking for a blast from the past to add to your work playlist? Check out this 1974 song from the iconic Rush. Thanks for emailing this track in Anthony Berenyi!
43. Hard Workin’ Man – Brooks & Dunn
The list of songs about working is extensive. We’ve compiled a few examples for you to consider adding your playlist or try out next time you feel like it’s not worth the effort. These 42 songs will speak to you on many levels, from encouraging you when times seem harsh to celebrating all the glory in life at every stage along the way.
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
