I run a jenny on the back of my truck
And I take my chances and I trust my luck
Well, I may work tomorrow, but I can't be sure
I'm just a common example of the working poor
I pushed a shovel on a building site
And I'm already working when it breaks daylight
If I don't keep moving, I'll freeze bloody sure
I'm just a common example of the working poor
I swing a hammer on a rooftop high
I'll be swinging that hammer on the day I die
I can raise your rafters, I can lay your floors
I'm just a common example of the working poor
I went to school 'til I had my fill
I was born in the shadow of the textile mill
I followed my father to the factory floor
I'm just a common example of the working poor
Just a common example of the working poor