About the song
Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” is more than just a catchy tune – it’s a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1980 for the comedy film of the same name, the song became an instant anthem for office workers across the United States.
Parton’s lyrics capture the frustrations and aspirations of the everyday working person. The opening lines, “Pour myself a cup of ambition / And yawn and stretch and try to come to life,” perfectly paint the picture of the morning routine for countless employees. The song goes on to rail against the drudgery of the daily grind, the feeling of being undervalued, and the longing for a better life.
But “9 to 5” isn’t just a lament. It’s also a call to action. Lines like “We’ve got dreams, he’s got bills” and “There’s a better life and you think about it, don’t you?” hint at the desire for change and the hope for a future beyond the confines of the cubicle.
The song’s success transcended genre. It topped not only the country charts but the Billboard Hot 100 as well, solidifying Parton’s place as a musical powerhouse. It earned her Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, and was even nominated for an Academy Award.
“9 to 5” continues to resonate today. It’s been covered by artists ranging from Sheena Easton (whose song of the same title predates Parton’s but has completely different themes) to Destiny’s Child and Pitbull (who collaborated with Parton on a 2024 remix titled “Powerful Woman”). It’s been featured in movies like “Deadpool 2” and television shows like “9 to 5” (a sitcom inspired by the film). Senator Elizabeth Warren even used the song during her 2020 presidential campaign.
“9 to 5” is a timeless classic. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of work, ambition, and the yearning for a more fulfilling life. With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful message, “9 to 5” continues to be a source of inspiration and a reminder that even the most ordinary workday can hold the seeds of change.
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Lyrics
Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch and try to come to life
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin’
Out on the street the traffic starts jumpin’
The folks like me on the job from nine to five.Workin’ nine to five, what a way to make a living
Barely gettin’ by it’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Nine to five, for service and devotion
You would think that I would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won’t seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me.They let you dream just to watch ’em shatter
You’re just a step on the boss-man’s ladder
But you got dreams he’ll never take away
You’re in the same boat with a lotta your friends
Waitin’ for the day your ship’ll come in
Then the tide’s gonna turn and it’s all gonna roll your way.Workin’ nine to five what a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by it’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind and you never get the credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it
Nine to five, yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life and you think about it, don’t you
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life puttin’ money in his wallet.Nine to five, whoa, what a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by it’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.Nine to five, yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life and you dream about it, don’t you
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it…