About the song
Alabama’s “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” is a timeless anthem that celebrates the hardworking men and women who form the backbone of America. Released in 1985, the song quickly ascended the charts, becoming the band’s 17th No. 1 single and a testament to its enduring popularity.
Written by Dave Loggins, Don Schlitz, and Lisa Silver, the song paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles and triumphs of America’s blue-collar workers. From factory workers to truck drivers, construction workers to farmers, the lyrics offer a heartfelt tribute to those who toil tirelessly to make a living. The song’s uplifting melody and powerful message have resonated with audiences for decades.
Country music historian Bill Malone aptly described “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” as a “rare country music tribute to American workers.” In a time when the working class was often overlooked, Alabama’s song provided a much-needed voice for those who were often taken for granted. The song’s patriotic sentiments and social concern made it a powerful anthem for a nation that was grappling with economic challenges.
The song’s popularity was further fueled by its use during the closing credits of Super Bowl XX. The NBC Sports broadcast featured highlights of the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs, accompanied by the relevant refrains from the song. This exposure helped to introduce “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” to a wider audience and solidified its status as a national anthem.
Beyond its musical impact, “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” has also become a source of debate among country music historians. While Alabama is often credited with having the longest uninterrupted No. 1 streak in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, the inclusion of their 1982 Christmas single, “Christmas in Dixie,” has led to some controversy. Some argue that the song’s lower chart position should be considered a break in the streak, while others contend that Christmas singles should be excluded from such calculations.
Regardless of the debate, “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” remains a powerful and enduring tribute to America’s working class. Its message of hard work, perseverance, and patriotism continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. As a testament to the song’s enduring appeal, it has become a classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
There are people in this country
Who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor
Are worth more than their pay
And it’s time a few of them were recognized.Hello Detroit auto workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line.This is for the one who swings the hammer,
Driving home the nail
Or the one behind the counter,
Ringing up the sale
Or the one who fights the fires,
The one who brings the mail
For everyone who works behind the scenes.You can see them every morning
In the factories and the fields
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
Working together like spokes inside a wheel
They keep this country turning around.Hello Kansas wheat field farmer,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line
Hello West Virginia coal miner,
Let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin’,
Just to send it on down the line.This is for the one who drives the big rig,
Up and down the road
Or the one out in the warehouse,
Bringing in the load
Or the waitress, the mechanic,
The policeman on patrol
For everyone who works behind the scenes.With a spirit you can’t replace with no machine
Hello America, let me thank you for your time…