About the song
Few songs capture the spirit of working-class resilience with as much verve and cultural staying power as **Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5.”** Released in 1980 as the theme song for the hit comedy film of the same name, this track is more than just a catchy anthem—it’s a sharp yet playful critique of corporate drudgery, inequality, and the ever-present grind of the American workplace. Sung, written, and co-produced by the indomitable **Dolly Parton**, “9 To 5” stands as one of the most iconic feminist pop-country crossovers of the 20th century.
What gives **“9 To 5”** its enduring appeal is the way **Parton** manages to balance an infectious pop melody with lyrics that speak plainly and powerfully about the frustrations of the everyday worker—particularly working women. “Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen / Pour myself a cup of ambition,” she sings in that unmistakable voice, blending wit and weariness in equal measure. The song’s bounce and brightness mask a deeper critique: that despite long hours, loyalty, and effort, workers—especially women—are often undervalued and underpaid. Yet there’s no bitterness in her delivery. Instead, there’s a knowing smile, a raised eyebrow, and the clear voice of someone who’s been there and knows how to turn pain into power.
Musically, **“9 To 5”** straddles the line between country and pop with ease. Its rollicking piano riff—famously mimicking a typewriter—sets a jaunty, upbeat tone that contrasts wonderfully with the song’s message of frustration. That duality is one of **Parton’s** greatest strengths as a songwriter: her ability to package complex emotions in melodies that feel light on their feet.
**Dolly Parton** has always been more than just a country singer. She’s a storyteller, a cultural icon, and a savvy businesswoman who understood long before it was fashionable how to use music as a platform for social commentary. **“9 To 5”** may have been written for a movie, but it quickly outgrew the screen and became a rallying cry. Today, it remains both a time capsule and a timeless anthem—proof that even in the grind, there’s room for laughter, melody, and a voice that speaks the truth.
Video
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 pumping
Out on the street the traffic’s jumping
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5 (mm, yeah)
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it (if you let it)
Working 9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won’t seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me (he’s out to get me)
9 to 5
(9 to 5) working, working, working
(9 to 5)
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 (he’ll never take ’em away)
You’re in the same boat with a lotta your friends
Waiting for the day your ship’ll come in (mm)
And the tide’s gonna turn and it’s all gonna roll your way (I just know it)
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it (but you won’t let it)
Working 9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life and you think about it, don’t you? (You dream about it)
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it
And you spend your life putting money in his wallet (putting money in his wallet)
Working 9 to 5, whoa what a way to make a living
Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it (crazy if you let it)
Working 9 to 5, working 9 to 5
(You dream about it, don’t you?)
It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it (mm)
And you spend your life putting money in his wallet (putting money in his wallet)
just working, working, working
(9 to 5) just working, working, working
(9 to 5) and you think about it don’t ya
(9 to 5) yeah, you think about it don’t ya
(9 to 5)
