About the song
**Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week”** is a timeless anthem that encapsulates the heart and soul of the American working class. Released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Greatest Hits,” this song quickly became a staple of country music radio, resonating with listeners across the nation.
Alabama, a group synonymous with Southern rock and country, crafted a narrative that speaks to the everyday struggles and triumphs of those who toil tirelessly to make ends meet. The song’s title, “Forty Hour Week,” immediately sets the stage for a tale of hard work and dedication. It’s a nod to the standard workweek, a concept that has been a constant in American life for generations.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the blue-collar lifestyle. They delve into the monotony of repetitive tasks, the physical exhaustion that comes with manual labor, and the unwavering determination to provide for one’s family. The song’s chorus, with its infectious melody, emphasizes the importance of a steady paycheck and the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done.
“Forty Hour Week” also captures the spirit of camaraderie among working-class individuals. It celebrates the shared experiences, the common struggles, and the unwavering support that binds them together. The song’s message is one of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit.
Alabama’s signature harmonies and heartfelt delivery elevate “Forty Hour Week” to a level of musical excellence. The song’s popularity can be attributed not only to its relatable lyrics but also to the band’s ability to connect with their audience on an emotional level. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.
Video
Lyrics
There are people in this country
Who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor
Are worth more than their pay
And it’s time a few of them were recognized.Hello Detroit auto workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line.This is for the one who swings the hammer,
Driving home the nail
Or the one behind the counter,
Ringing up the sale
Or the one who fights the fires,
The one who brings the mail
For everyone who works behind the scenes.You can see them every morning
In the factories and the fields
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
Working together like spokes inside a wheel
They keep this country turning around.Hello Kansas wheat field farmer,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line
Hello West Virginia coal miner,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line.This is for the one who drives the big rig,
Up and down the road
Or the one out in the warehouse,
Bringing in the load
Or the waitress, the mechanic,
The policeman on patrol
For everyone who works behind the scenes.