Our Survival
Working Class Echoes: Struggles, Survival, and the Price of Dreams
Lyrics
Take a few pills just to numb out the back pain
Using medication to cope with physical pain, possibly as a result of hard labor or work-related strain.
Everything's fixed and it's running the way it should
Expressing satisfaction that everything is fixed and functioning properly.
Yeah, the boys done good
Acknowledging the success and achievements of a group of individuals, possibly the speaker and their colleagues.
Thirty-six years ago I remember
Reflecting on a memory from 36 years ago, setting the stage for a recollection.
I wrote my ticket and they hired me on the spot
Recalling the past when the speaker secured a job easily by writing a ticket, suggesting a simpler time.
I never would have thought
Expressing surprise at the unforeseen turn of events or circumstances.
This is how they would re-pay me
Feeling betrayed or let down by others, possibly employers or colleagues.
Left me with all that I worked for
Being left with nothing after dedicating effort and time to work.
Dumped in a bankers box and told don't talk to no-one
Describing the aftermath of being let go, packing belongings in a bankers box with instructions to stay silent.
As they walked me out the door
Recalling the moment of being escorted out after termination.
She waits the tables at the high-way diner
Introducing a character who waits tables at a diner, likely facing financial struggles.
Another double shift and her rent just might get paid
Highlighting the challenges of making ends meet through hard work and long hours.
Just a few weeks late
Acknowledging financial difficulties, indicating the delay in paying rent.
She's only got an hour with her daughter between shifts
Describing the limited time a mother has with her daughter between demanding work shifts.
She hugs her so tight and they try to hold back the tears
Depicting an emotional farewell between the mother and daughter, trying to hold back tears.
Just a few more years
Expressing a desire for a better future, implying a countdown until something improves.
This is how they have re-paid me
Reiterating the theme of feeling betrayed or not being adequately rewarded for hard work.
I got nothing at thirty-four
Expressing frustration at having nothing tangible to show for one's efforts at the age of 34.
I give my blood, my sweat, my tears and it's not free
Stating the personal cost of giving one's all (blood, sweat, tears) to work without receiving fair compensation.
I've got a baby girl to provide for
Highlighting the responsibility of providing for a baby girl, adding emotional weight to the struggles.
Money is made on the backs of the poor
Commenting on the economic system where wealth is generated at the expense of the less privileged.
Nose to the grindstone and eyes on the floor
Describing a work ethic of diligence and humility, with a focus on following instructions.
Do what I say, you'll be rich someday
Sarcastically presenting the promise of future wealth through obedience to authority.
Oh the foundation will always be strong
Asserting that the foundation of the system is strong, possibly referring to societal structures.
Nothing can change if we all play along
Encouraging resistance to maintain the status quo, suggesting that change requires collective action.
United we, declare mutiny
Advocating unity and rebellion against the established order.
Let's get some blue, on that collar for you
Suggesting a desire for acknowledgment and recognition, possibly through wearing a blue-collar.
Let's get some blue, on that collar for you
Repeating the desire for recognition and change through the symbolism of a blue-collar.
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