We hope our U.S. readers are enjoying the Labor Day weekend. The official holiday was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland to honor working people, following the 1894 Pullman Strike where strikers had been killed by law enforcement officials and soldiers. But citizens had already been celebrating the Labor Day for years.
There are a number of songs about jobs, but when I think of the word “work” and music, the first song that comes to my mind is Bruce Springsteen’s “Factory,” from Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978). The haunting repetitiveness of the line about “the working, the working, just the working life” captures the boring sameness that appears in some way in almost every job, although some more than others. Yet, the song always seemed like a tribute to those who do those difficult jobs, such as the factory workers in the song.
I recently discovered the Canadian band The Deep Dark Woods. The band, from Saskatoon, has put out several albums that one might classify as alt-country. I plan to check out more of there music, and you should too. For now, though, check out their awesome take on Springsteen’s “Factory.”
The U.S. Labor Department website notes that the holiday is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” And it is a “tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Enjoy your day, and then get back to the working, the working, just the working life.
What is your favorite song about working? Leave your two cents in the comments.
(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)
