Ain't That A Bitch

Johnny Guitar Watson's song "Ain't That A Bitch" is a poignant reflection on the struggles faced by the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who works tirelessly, yet finds himself unable to get ahead financially. Despite his qualifications and hard work, he is left with little to show for it after paying for basic necessities like rent and car payments. This sense of frustration and helplessness is a central theme in the song, capturing the essence of the working-class experience.

The song delves into the systemic issues that contribute to this plight. Watson highlights the disparity between the effort put into work and the meager rewards received. He mentions his diverse skill set, including programming computers, accounting, psychology, and even speaking a bit of Japanese, yet he still struggles to make ends meet. This underscores the idea that no matter how qualified or hardworking one is, the system is rigged in a way that keeps the working class perpetually disadvantaged.

Watson also touches on the rising cost of living, using the example of supermarket prices to illustrate how even basic necessities are becoming unaffordable. The repeated refrain of "Ain't that a bitch" serves as a powerful expression of exasperation and disbelief at the unfairness of it all. The song's soulful delivery and bluesy guitar riffs add an emotional depth that resonates with listeners, making it not just a critique of economic inequality, but also a heartfelt plea for change.