About the song
“Takin’ Care of Business,” an iconic anthem by Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO), emerged from a blend of chance encounters and creative evolution, cementing its place in rock history with its infectious energy and relatable lyrics.
Originally conceived by Randy Bachman during his tenure with The Guess Who, the song began with the working title “White Collar Worker,” reflecting on the mundane routine of a commuting technician. However, initial skepticism from bandmate Burton Cummings led Bachman to rework the song’s chorus and overall vibe. It wasn’t until a fortuitous gig in Vancouver that the song truly took shape. Lead vocalist Fred Turner’s voice faltering, Bachman took the helm and spontaneously transformed the song’s chorus with the phrase “Takin’ Care of Business,” borrowed from a local DJ’s catchphrase. The audience’s enthusiastic response validated the song’s newfound direction and inspired Bachman to rewrite the lyrics and refine the music, imbuing it with a self-reflective humor that resonated widely.
Recorded at Kaye-Smith Studios in Seattle for BTO’s second album, “Bachman-Turner Overdrive II” (1973), the song featured Norman Durkee on piano, whose involvement sparked debates over his initial role—whether delivering pizzas or recording commercials nearby. Regardless, Durkee’s contribution added depth to the track, complementing BTO’s signature blend of hard rock and blues influences.
Upon its release, “Takin’ Care of Business” quickly ascended the charts, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning acclaim for its robust musicality and Randy Bachman’s commanding vocals. Praised for its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics, the song resonated deeply with audiences, becoming one of BTO’s most enduring hits. Its longevity and popularity were further underscored by its status as one of the most licensed songs in Sony Music’s publishing catalog by 2011.
Beyond its commercial success, “Takin’ Care of Business” became synonymous with BTO’s legacy and Canadian rock culture, often referred to as a “provincial rock anthem of Manitoba.” Its enduring popularity led Randy Bachman to adopt it as the theme for his radio show “Vinyl Tap,” reinforcing its status as a timeless classic in the pantheon of rock music.
In essence, “Takin’ Care of Business” exemplifies the serendipitous nature of creativity and the transformative power of live performance, encapsulating Randy Bachman’s knack for turning everyday experiences into universally resonant rock anthems.
Video
Lyrics
You get up every morning from your alarm clock’s warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There’s a whistle up above and people pushin’, people shovin’
And the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train’s on time, you can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
If you ever get annoyed, look at me I’m self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day
And I’ll be taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime, work out
If it were easy as fishin’ you could be a musician
If you could make sounds loud or mellow
Get a second-hand guitar, chances are you’ll go far
If you get in with the right bunch of fellows
People see you having fun just a-lying in the sun
Tell them that you like it this way
It’s the work that we avoid, and we’re all self-employed
We love to work at nothing all day
And we be taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
We be been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime
Mercy
Whoo
All right
Take good care of my business
When I’m away, every day
Whoo
They get up every morning from their alarm clock’s warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There’s a whistle up above and people pushin’, people shovin’
And the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train’s on time, you can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
If you ever get annoyed, look at me I’m self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day
And I be taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime, take care
Takin’ care of business, whoo
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business (every day)
Takin’ care of business (every way)
Takin’ care of business (it’s all mine)
Takin’ care of business and working overtime, whoo
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business
We be takin’ care of business
We be takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business
Takin’ care of business