Dolly Parton – 9 To 5

Introduction

What if I told you that one of the catchiest, most upbeat songs in country-pop history is actually a brutal exposé of the lies we’ve been sold about the American workplace? That’s right — Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” isn’t just a fun sing-along from the early ’80s. It’s a revolutionary anthem that tore the mask off corporate America and gave a voice to millions of exhausted, underpaid, and overlooked workers.

Released in 1980, when the so-called “land of opportunity” was already showing cracks, this song was more than music — it was a weapon. With her sparkling smile and sharp songwriting, Dolly Parton delivered a gut punch to the system that kept women chained to desks, coffee pots, and dead-end roles while men climbed ladders built on privilege. Every lyric was a dagger: the grinding routine, the thankless bosses, the dreams deferred in the name of survival. And yet, wrapped in Dolly’s honey-sweet voice and bouncing rhythm, it spread like wildfire, sneaking its radical message into households across America.

The shocking truth? Nothing has changed. Over 40 years later, “9 to 5” still mirrors today’s struggles. Workers still juggle bills while corporations grow richer. Women still fight for equal pay and recognition. Dolly’s voice echoes louder than ever, reminding us that this isn’t just history — it’s happening now.

That’s why “9 to 5” remains one of the most dangerous songs ever disguised as a radio hit. It proves that music doesn’t need distortion pedals or protest marches to shake the foundations of power. Sometimes, all it takes is a woman with a guitar, a pen sharper than any blade, and the courage to sing the truth.

So the next time you tap your foot to “9 to 5,” remember this: Dolly Parton didn’t just write a song. She launched a rebellion.

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 pumpin’
Out on the street
The traffic starts jumpin’
The folks like me on the job from 9 to 5

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy
If you let it

9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that I
Would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead
But the boss won’t seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
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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

You’re in the same boat
With a lot of your friends
Waitin’ for the day your ship’ll come in
‘N’ the tide’s gonna turn
And it’s all gonna roll your way

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy
If you let it

9 to 5, yeah
They got you where they want you
There’s a better life
And you think about it, don’t you?
It’s a rich man’s game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Puttin’ money in his wallet

9 to 5, whoa
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’ and no givin’
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you crazy
If you let it

9 to 5, yeah
They got you where they want you
There’s a better life
And you dream about it, don’t you?
It’s a rich man’s game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Puttin’ money in his wallet

Working 9 to 5