A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today
Struggles of the Everyday Grind: A Working Man's Anthem by Merle Haggard
Lyrics
For years I've been busting my rear to make a living
Despite years of hard work, I haven't succeeded in making a good living.
But it ain't made
The hard work hasn't resulted in financial success.
For years I've been trying to pay off my bills
I've attempted to pay off my debts for years.
But they ain't paid
My bills remain unpaid despite my efforts.
Oh every dime I make, every soul I know
Every cent I earn and everyone I know that I can hire seems to push me further into financial struggle.
Hire by reach, the farther down I go
No matter how hard I try, the more I work, the worse my situation becomes.
This old broken back of mine is all I've got to show
All I have to show for my hard work is my worn-out body.
And anyway
Despite these circumstances.
A working man can't get nowhere today
A working-class person can't progress in today's world.
Lord, a working man get nowhere today
Reiteration that a working person can't succeed in contemporary society.
A working man ain't got no time to play
There's no leisure time for a working person.
Today I work my fanny off and leave it lay
Despite working hard, I gain nothing; the effort goes to waste.
A working man can't get nowhere today
Reasserting that a working-class individual can't progress.
I paid my income tax
I've fulfilled my tax obligations.
And the government gives back
Received minimal returns or benefits from the government.
But I got coming but it ain't much
What I should receive back from the government isn't substantial.
I paid my child support
I've paid my child support as required by law.
'Cause I'm a law abiding sort and an easy touch
Because of my compliant nature, I'm easily taken advantage of.
And I starve my self to death
I deprive myself of basic needs to support my family.
Trying to keep my family fed
Struggling to provide for my family's basic necessities.
I keep my budget tight, trying to get myself ahead
I carefully manage my expenses but struggle to improve my situation.
But I'll still be deep in debt the day that I fall dead
Even with careful budgeting, I'll likely die in debt.
That's why I say
Summarizing the perpetual cycle of struggling despite hard work.
Lord, a working man can't get nowhere today
Restating the theme that a working person can't succeed in today's society.
A working man can't get nowhere today
Reiteration of the challenges faced by working-class individuals in modern times.
A working man ain't got no time to play
No time for relaxation or leisure for a working person.
Tonight I work my fanny off and leave it lay
Continuing the narrative of toiling without reaping rewards.
A working man can't get nowhere today
Reiterating the theme that a working-class individual can't progress.
A working man can't get nowhere today
Reaffirmation of the idea that a working person can't succeed in the present day.
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