Matthew & Son

Cat Stevens' song 'Matthew & Son' paints a vivid picture of the monotonous and grueling life of workers in a corporate environment. The lyrics describe a rigid daily routine, starting with the early morning rush to catch the train to work. The phrase 'Up at eight, you can't be late' sets the tone for the relentless pace that defines the workers' lives. The urgency and pressure are palpable as the employees hurry to avoid the wrath of their employer, Matthew.

The chorus, 'Matthew & Son, the work's never done, there's always something new,' underscores the ceaseless nature of their tasks. The workers are depicted as being mentally and physically exhausted, with their work invading even their personal time. The line 'The files in your head, you take them to bed, you're never ever through' highlights the inescapable nature of their responsibilities, suggesting that their work haunts them even in their sleep. The brief five-minute break for 'a cup of cold coffee and a piece of cake' further emphasizes the lack of respite and the minimal appreciation for their efforts.

The song also touches on the exploitation and lack of upward mobility within the company. The lyrics mention people who have been working for fifty years without daring to ask for more money, despite their financial struggles. This paints a bleak picture of a workforce trapped in a cycle of low wages and high demands, with no hope for improvement. 'Matthew & Son' serves as a critique of the dehumanizing aspects of corporate life, where workers are reduced to mere cogs in a machine, endlessly toiling without recognition or reward.