Honest Work
Crafting Dreams: Graham Parker's Anthem to Honest Labor
Lyrics
As long as you give me my pay you'll get your moneys worth
Commitment to providing value in exchange for pay, emphasizing reliability and diligence.
I'll be there 8 hours a day I won't hide and I won't shirk
Promising to work a full 8 hours daily without avoidance or negligence.
I got a way with a hammer and a nail a dovetail and a tongue and groove
Skills with tools, referencing carpentry terms like "dovetail" and "tongue and groove."
Put up a wall in half a day guarantee it'll never move
Expressing efficiency in construction, claiming to erect a stable wall quickly.
Chorus
Introduction to the chorus, emphasizing the importance of honest work.
Shouda li li li dumb dumb a day honest work
A playful repetition in the chorus, possibly representing the rhythm of labor.
I'm gonna build a strong foundation marble walls like grand central station
Desire to establish a solid foundation and create impressive structures.
Not gonna feel any more frustration do enough work for an entire nation
Commitment to hard work, claiming to contribute enough for an entire nation.
Gonna get a chisel and an awl and a saw carve my name out on your door
Expressing a personal touch in craftsmanship, intending to mark one's work.
A block and tackle and a spirit level take your heart of glass and put on a bevel
Using tools metaphorically to improve or refine delicate matters, possibly relationships.
Chorus repeat
Reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the value of honest labor.
Got to build a strong foundation strong enough to hold up a nation
Continuing the theme of building a strong foundation, essential for national strength.
Strong enough to put your faith in the roof won't leak and the floor won't cave in
Promising reliability and stability in construction, ensuring a secure roof and floor.
Gonna get a lathe and a capstan press take an old claw hammer to this mess
Expressing the intent to use various tools to rectify a chaotic situation.
Gonna knock down the walls of denial wear 'em down with a pick and a file
Metaphorically breaking down walls of denial, addressing challenges with determination.
Chorus repeat
Reiteration of the chorus, underscoring the importance of integrity in work.
Comment