9 to 5, composed and performed by Dolly Parton, was inspired by Partons experience with gender inequality and the challenges faced by working women. The song was released in 1980 as part of the soundtrack for the movie of the same name, in which Parton made her acting debut. The lyrics discuss the exhausting routines and lack of recognition faced by workers, especially women, in the workplace.
Tumble outta bed and a`stumble to the kitchen Pour myself a cup of ambition And yawn n` stretch n` and try to come to life Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin` Out on the streets the traffic starts jumpin` With 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 mmmmmmm
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 In the same boat with a lot of your friends Waitin` for the day your ship`ll come in And the tide`s gonna turn, an` 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 putting money in his wallet
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, 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 putting money in his wallet