Working Man's Wage
Earning Life's Symphony: Trace Adkins' Ode to the Working Man
Lyrics
I've seen mornings when a thousand bales of hay
I've witnessed mornings with a large amount of hay, symbolizing hard work.
Looked like a mountain to a boy my age
The hay seemed like a huge challenge to a young boy.
And I've seen my daddy in that hot southern sun
The speaker has observed their father working in the intense southern sun.
Move those mountains one by one
The father metaphorically moved mountains by working diligently.
And I've seen that same man come home from the mill
The same father worked long hours at the mill for a modest income.
Pull forty hours for a hundred-dollar bill
The father worked hard, putting in forty hours for a meager hundred-dollar bill.
I've watched him struggle and I've watched him age
Witnessing the father's struggles and aging while supporting a family.
Raising a family on a working man's wage
Reflecting on the challenges of raising a family on a modest income.
I grew up on a working man's wage
The speaker's upbringing was shaped by the challenges of a working-class life.
Blood, sweat and tears on every dollar he made
Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice were evident in every dollar earned.
For the little he earned there was so much he gave
Despite earning little, the father gave a lot in terms of effort and sacrifice.
And I hope I am worthy of a working man's wage
The speaker aspires to be deserving of the values associated with a working man's wage.
I pick this guitar six nights a week
The speaker now pursues a career playing guitar with regular performances.
Daddy can't believe they're paying me
The father is amazed that his child gets paid for something enjoyable.
It would be so easy to let it go to my head
Despite success, the speaker remains grounded and remembers a crucial aspect.
But there's just one thing that I can't forget
The speaker cannot forget the hard work and values instilled by the father.
I grew up on a working man's wage
A repetition emphasizing the impact of growing up with a working man's values.
Blood, sweat and tears on every dollar he made
Reiteration of the father's toil, with every dollar earned reflecting dedication.
For the little he earned there was so much he gave
The father gave a lot despite meager earnings, shaping the speaker's perspective.
And I hope I am worthy, I hope I am worthy
Expressing the hope and aspiration to be worthy of a working man's wage.
Of a working man's wage
A reaffirmation of the desire to be deserving of the values associated with hard work.
I've seen mornings when a thousand bales of hay
A repetition of the imagery from the beginning, reinforcing the impact on the speaker.
Looked like a mountain to a boy my age
Reiteration of the challenging perspective of a boy looking at a vast amount of work.
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