Workin' For a Livin'

Huey Lewis and The News' song "Workin' For a Livin'" is a spirited anthem that captures the daily struggles and resilience of the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the monotonous and often thankless grind that many people face in their jobs. The opening lines, "Somedays won't end ever and somedays pass on by, I'll be working here forever, at least until I die," set the tone for the song, highlighting the endless cycle of work that seems to stretch on indefinitely. This sentiment is further emphasized with the line, "Dammed if you do, dammed if you don't," reflecting the frustration of being stuck in a situation where there seems to be no winning.

The chorus, "Workin' for a livin', livin' and workin', I'm taking what they giving 'cause I'm working for a livin'," serves as a rallying cry for those who toil day in and day out just to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, there's a sense of acceptance and even pride in the necessity of work. The song acknowledges the financial struggles that come with low-paying jobs, as seen in the lines, "Hundred dollar car note, two hundred rent. I get a check on Friday, but it's all ready spent." This highlights the paycheck-to-paycheck existence that many people endure.

The song also touches on the diverse range of jobs that people take on to survive, from bus boys and bartenders to grease monkeys and ex-junkies. The line, "Walking on the streets it's really all the same, selling souls, rock n' roll, any other day," suggests that regardless of the job, the struggle remains the same. Huey Lewis and The News use this song to pay homage to the resilience and determination of the working class, celebrating their ability to keep going despite the challenges they face.