WORKING SONGS

Getting up early, sloshing back hot coffee, leaving home before it's light out. You need that money to pay the rent and put food on the table. It's called work, and whether you're swinging a nine pound hammer or teaching a class, healing a patient or laying down shingles, hauling boxes in a factory or paving a highway, writing a book or hustling on the street, painting a picture or guarding one, you're working, baby. Don't you know it.

Early punk rock with an attitude--Tennessee Ernie Ford performs "16 Tons."

You're lucky to be working in this economy, where one out of ten is unemployed. At the same time, some CEOs are making a fortune in wages and bonuses in many corporations that still owe money to the public. These "Bail-out Bonuses" are in the millions, sometime more, but if you raise the issue you might be accused of waging a class war. I'll take that risk. It's highway robbery!


Sorting mail at the postal annex.


Merle Haggard plays "Workingman's Blues"

I'm heading to work for a twelve-hour day, and at the same time I'm finishing up artwork for two shows. I'm not complaining, just don't mention the concept of "free time" unless you want an earful. Give these songs a listen.


Bob Dylan, who has toured with his friend Merle Haggard, wrote this beautiful tune called "Workingman's Blues #2." (Push button to play)

Are you working? Are you one of the lucky ones? Do you get enough breaks and time to eat lunch? Do you get some respect on the job?


Ry Cooder and Bobby King perform the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gang." This clip is from Les Blanks film "Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have A Ball", and filmed at The Catalyst, in Santa Cruz.

Keep the faith. Don't believe the bail-out billionaires who say they NEED all that money while you have to tighten your belt and do without. Remember, they need YOU. And if you get a little attitude now and then, that's okay--it's a healthy response to fighting for every inch you get in the American workplace. Go ahead, wage a little class war. To me, it's just common sense. As an old friend once said, "A working class hero is something to be."



"It's Not My Place (in the 9 to 5 World)" by the Ramones