20 Songs About Work

What better way to start off a Monday morning than with some upbeat tunes about work? Listening to music can help set the tone for your day and make work feel a little less like, well, work.

We’ve rounded up 20 songs about work from different genres and decades that we think will give you a motivational boost! These tracks are sure to get your head bobbing and put a pep in your step as you take on another working day.

1. “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony

This 2016 pop hit by Fifth Harmony encourages listeners to make the most of working remotely. The song’s catchy beat and sassy lyrics are sure to motivate you as you get down to business in your home office.

If you’re working from home and need a little mood booster, play this one loud! With over 2 billion views on Youtube, it’s clearly a fan favorite.

2. “Work” by Rihanna

Rihanna’s anthemic track from her studio album, Anti, and the song has a dark and hypnotic quality that makes it perfect for when you need to buckle down and get focused. And who doesn’t love Rihanna? She’s a true icon.

3. “Epiphany” by Taylor Swift

Here’s a song for the over-achievers out there. “Epiphany” is about someone who is on a quest for calm in their dreams despite living in a world of disorder and mayhem. It’s a reminder for you to slow down and not overwork yourself. We all need to take a break sometimes!

4. “Takin’ Care Of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive

This 1974 classic rock track by Bachman Turner Overdrive is a perennial favorite for anyone who works in an office.

It’s about ditching that 9-5 job and striking out on your own, which is a dream for many of us! If you’ve been thinking about making a change, this song might just give you the push you need.

5. “Work It” by Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott made it to our list with this high-energy hip-hop track from her album Under Construction. This song is all about encouraging all the ladies out there to work and achieve their dreams.

The music video is also iconic, and you can’t help but dance along when you hear it! It earned her a Grammy award, and rightfully so.

6. “Morning Train (Nine To Five)” by Sheena Easton

If you’re stuck in that corporate grind, this song by Sheena Easton will definitely speak to you. It’s about the mundane reality of working a 9-5 job, but it also has an air of optimism that things will get better. It was released in 1981 as part of the Take My Time album.

7. “Shift Work” by Kenny Chesney and George Strait

“Shift Work” is a song about, you guessed it, working the night shift. It’s a duet between country legends Kenny Chesney and George Strait, and it offers a lighthearted take on the struggles of working odd hours. If you’ve ever had to pull a late shift, turn this up on your way home for a little pick-me-up.

8. “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer

Just as every woman should, Donna Summer celebrates the hardworking ladies out there in this 1983 hit. It was released as part of her album She Works Hard For The Money. It’s the perfect song to listen to when you need a reminder of how tough and amazing women can be!

9. “Worker’s Song” by Dropkick Murphys

This 2003 track by Dropkick Murphys is a working-class anthem for the ages. It’s about the struggles of the everyman and how hard it is to make ends meet.

But despite all the hardships, the singer remains hopeful that things will get better. The song is sure to resonate with anyone who’s struggling to make it today.

10. “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles

Some days are just harder than others, and that’s what this song is all about. The Beatles perfectly capture the feeling of being exhausted after a long day at work.

It was released in 1964 as part of their album A Hard Day’s Night. If you need a little break, put this one on and take a well-deserved rest.

11. “Happy Working Song” by Amy Adams

Featured in the popular Disney movie Enchanted, “Happy Working Song” is a lovely ode to the joys of working hard. It’s sung by Amy Adams, who plays the lead character Giselle.

If you’re feeling stressed at work, this song will lift your spirits and make you appreciate the good things about your job.

12. “Take This Job And Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck

Sometimes, you just want to leave your job. And what better way to do it than with this song blaring? Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 hit is the ultimate middle finger to a boss or company that doesn’t appreciate its employees. You can find it on the album with the same title.

13. “Working Girl” by Cher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMdd5W-rhw

Cher is a working girl in this fun ’80s pop song, and she loves it. She’s independent, she’s in control, and she doesn’t need a man to complete her. It’s one of her most popular tracks and you can stream it on all music platforms out there.

14. “Working Class Hero” by Green Day

Up next is a more recent addition to the list. This one is from Green Day and it’s called “Working Class Hero.” It was released in 2009 on their album The Green Day Collection. The lyrics are about, well, the working-class hero.

It’s a song that speaks to the everyman who works hard and doesn’t get any recognition. It’s a more punk rock take on work culture, and it’s sure to get you fired up the next time you’re feeling underappreciated.

15. “Six Days On The Road” by Sawyer Brown

This next song is a bit of a country classic. It’s called “Six Days On The Road” and it was released in 1997 by Sawyer Brown.

The lyrics are about being on the road, away from home, and feeling lonely. But despite the loneliness, the singer still keeps going because he knows that his hard work will pay off in the end.

16. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

Here’s another ode to that daily 9 to 5 grind. This one was written and performed by the one and only Dolly Parton. It’s called “9 to 5” and it was released in 1980.

The lyrics are all about how it’s great to have a 9-5 job but how it’s not so great when you’re stuck in that job forever. She talks about reaching greater heights and being your own boss.

17. “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat

Doja Cat has been making waves in the past few years and “Boss Bitch” is one of her most popular songs. The lyrics are all about being a boss and being in charge.

She talks about how she’s not afraid to work hard and how she always gets what she wants. It was featured in the hit movie Birds of Prey and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify.

18. “Hard Workin’ Man” by Brooks & Dunn

“Hard Workin’ Man” is a song by country duo Brooks & Dunn. It was released in 1993 as the lead single from their album Hard Workin’ Man. The song is about a man who works hard to provide for his family. If this isn’t the ultimate song about working hard, we don’t know what is.

19. “Go To Work” by Nadine Coyle

Next on the list is “Go To Work” by Nadine Coyle. The lyrics of the song are all about clinging to your job and making the most of it, even when it’s not the dream job you wanted.

It’s a great motivational song for anyone who is struggling to find meaning in their work. It was released as part of the 2021 album La Música es Universal: Siempre Pride.

20. “Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)” by Alabama

Wrapping up the list is “Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)” by Alabama. The song is about the struggles of working a typical 9-5 job.

It’s a relatable song for anyone who has ever felt overworked and underpaid. The song was released in 1985 and can be found on the band’s 40-Hour Week album.

Final Thoughts

Working hard can be tough, but it’s important to remember that our work is what enables us to provide for ourselves and our families. These 20 songs about work are the perfect motivation to help you get through even the toughest of times. So put on your favorite song, and get to work!