Billy Bragg is said to be an artist who writes songs with a social conscience and killer melodies.  He has a number of hits that would fall into the category of work-related songs, including this one.

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For this week’s song, we turn to the soulful Sam Cooke with one of his legendary hits.  He’s singing about some of the hardest work there’s ever been.

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The Seven Dwarfs provide us with one of the greatest work songs ever.

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Billy Joel sings honestly of unfulfilled potential and the American dream that’s just a dream for some.
Billy Joel - Allentown

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Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett sing about taking a break in the middle of the day, because they’re “gettin’ paid by the hour and older by the minute,” and because “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Alan Jackson;Jimmy Buffett - It’s Five O‘ Clock Somewhere

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John Mellencamp sings a different kind of work song, one about the disappearing family farm and what that means for all of us.
“Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow, This land fed a nation, this land made me proud, And son I’m just sorry, there’s no legacy for you now.”
[kml_flashembed movie=”http://www.youtube.com/v/jDxX8yCIS-M” width=”425″ height=”350″ wmode=”transparent” […]

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Jackson Browne describes work as, in part, being “caught between the longing for love, and the struggle for legal tender.” He sings about a person who started out young with idealism and strength only to surrender to the bottom line. It’s a different kind of work song from most of the ones we’ve had so […]

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“Let’s drink to the hard working people/Let’s drink to the lowly of birth/Let’s drink to the salt of the earth.” Mick Jagger and Keith Richards gave an emotional performance of the Rolling Stones’ great work song (circa 1968) during the Concert for New York City about a month after 9/11.

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From disco’s heyday, here’s Donna Summer’s video portrayal of the challenges of single motherhood, accompanied by her huge hit, She Works Hard for the Money.

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Have you ever heard James Taylor sing Millworker? If so, it’ll give you something to think about again. If not, listen carefully to the lyrics.

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