About the song
“Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’).” Released in 1985 as a single from their album 40-Hour Week, this track wasn’t just a hit; it soared straight to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, solidifying the band’s status as voices for the common person. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a blue-collar ode to dedication, sacrifice, and the quiet dignity found in earning an honest living.
The lyrics of “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’),” penned by Dave Loggins, Lisa Silver, and Don Schlitz, paint a vivid picture of the diverse workforce across America. It’s a roll call of professions – from steel mills and coal mines to farms and assembly lines – each contributing to the nation’s strength and prosperity. The song acknowledges the sacrifices made, the long hours, and the often-unseen struggles, but it does so with a deep sense of pride and respect for the labor involved. Phrases like “From the oil rigs to the fishing boats / From the ranches to the factories” and “Oh, it’s a forty hour week (for a livin’) / I’m gonna work it all the way” perfectly capture this pervasive work ethic and the sense of duty. The song speaks to the universal experience of dedicating oneself to a trade, providing for a family, and contributing to the larger economy. It’s about the fundamental value of honest work, the camaraderie among those who toil, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from a hard day’s labor. It resonates deeply with anyone who understands the rhythm of the workweek and the importance of perseverance, celebrating the often-unsung heroes who keep the country running.
Alabama’s vocal performance on “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” is absolutely quintessential. Their signature blend of tight, rich harmonies, led by Randy Owen’s distinctive lead vocal, perfectly embodies the song’s collective spirit and heartfelt admiration for the working class. They don’t just sing the words; they deliver them with a palpable sense of respect and solidarity, making the listener feel a deep connection to the diverse group of workers being celebrated. There’s a perfect balance of country authenticity and polished musicianship in their phrasing, a powerful sense of unity that makes the song utterly anthemic. Alabama’s brilliance lies in their unparalleled ability to infuse such a broadly appealing theme with genuine emotion and a radiating sense of shared experience, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal and often empowering level. It’s a masterclass in how vocal synergy can elevate a message to an anthem.
The musical arrangement of “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” is a pristine example of Alabama’s powerful, arena-filling country-rock sound from the mid-1980s. It features a prominent, driving electric guitar riff that sets an immediate, energetic tone, a solid, upbeat drum beat, and a strong bass line that provides a rock-solid foundation. The inclusion of subtle fiddle and steel guitar elements firmly roots it in country, while the overall production gives it a broad, accessible appeal. The instrumentation is tight, clean, and meticulously crafted, ensuring that every element contributes to the song’s infectious, feel-good energy without ever overwhelming the band’s distinctive harmonies. The production is crisp, powerful, and incredibly polished, designed for maximum impact on radio and in live performances, making it instantly recognizable and endlessly singable.
“Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of honest labor, pride in one’s work, and the celebration of the everyday American hero are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Alabama’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that cemented their status as a voice for the heartland. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder of the dignity and strength found in putting in a solid “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’).”
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 recognizedHello 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 lineThis 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 scenesYou 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 aroundHello 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 lineThis 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 scenesWith a spirit you can’t replace with no machine
Hello America let me thank you for your time