“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When David Allan Coe penned “Take This Job and Shove It,” he encapsulated a generational mood of defiance and disillusionment. The song’s premiere in 1977 came at a time when economic pressures were brewing under the surface, setting the stage for a cultural shift in the narrative of the American worker.
About The Composition
- Title: Take This Job and Shove It
- Composer: David Allan Coe
- Premiere Date: 1977
- Album/Opus/Collection: Take This Job and Shove It
- Genre: Country
Background
The song’s genesis lies in the socio-economic challenges of the 1970s, with David Allan Coe crafting a narrative that spoke directly to the disenchanted worker. Its adoption by Johnny Paycheck and subsequent rise to the top of the charts underscored its resonance with a broad demographic, making it a defining piece of the era’s musical landscape.
Musical Style
Characterized by a classic country sound, the song employs a traditional ensemble including guitars, fiddle, and pedal steel, creating a sound that is both relatable and emotionally charged. The arrangement supports the narrative, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and speak directly to the listener.
Lyrics
The song’s lyrics serve as a narrative of personal revolt, with each line delivered with a mix of resentment and liberation. This lyrical directness was instrumental in its appeal, providing a voice to those who felt voiceless in their workplaces.
Performance History
Over the decades, “Take This Job and Shove It” has seen numerous renditions, each reflecting the socio-economic pulse of its time. However, Johnny Paycheck’s original version remains the definitive performance, embodying the raw emotion and unfiltered honesty that the song conveys.
Cultural Impact
This song not only impacted the music industry but also influenced worker movements and became an anthem for labor rights, illustrating the power of music as a tool for societal reflection and change.
Legacy
The legacy of “Take This Job and Shove It” is marked by its continued relevance. It remains a powerful anthem of resistance and is studied for its cultural and musical significance in the context of American history.
Conclusion
“Take This Job and Shove It” is a seminal work that continues to inspire and resonate. Its place in both musical and cultural studies is well deserved, offering rich insights into the interplay between art and socio-economic conditions. For those interested in the evolution of country music and its role in cultural discourse, this song is a must-explore.
Video
Lyrics
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more
My woman done left and took all the reason
I was working for
You better not try to stand in my way
As I’m a-walkin’ out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more
I’ve been workin’ in this factory
For now on fifteen years
All this time I watched my woman
Drownin’ in a pool of tears
And I’ve seen a lot of good folk die
That had a lot of bills to pay
I’d give the shirt right offa’ my back
If I had the guts to say
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more
My woman done left and took all the reason
I was workin’ for
You better not try to stand in my way
As I’m a-walkin’ out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
Well that foreman, he’s a regular dog
The line boss, he’s a fool
Got a brand new flattop haircut
Lord, he thinks he’s cool
One of these days I’m gonna’ blow my top
And that sucker, he’s gonna’ pay
Lord, I can’t wait to see their faces
When I get the nerve to say
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more
My woman done left and took all the reason
I was workin’ for
You better not try to stand in my way
As I’m a-walkin’ out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
Take this job and shove it