The Working Class Hero: Johnny Paycheck’s Message in ‘Take This Job And Shove It’

by

About The Song

“Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck is a country music anthem known for its rebellious spirit and catchy lyrics. Here’s a breakdown of the song:

Origins and Release:

  • Written by David Allan Coe.
  • Originally recorded by Coe himself in 1977 but achieved limited success.
  • Johnny Paycheck released his version later in 1977 on his album of the same name, “Take This Job and Shove It.”
  • Paycheck’s rendition became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. However, due to a contractual dispute with his record label, Paycheck was blacklisted from the industry for several years.

Genre: Country Music (with Rock and Roll influences)

Lyrics and Theme:

  • The song is a powerful declaration of quitting a dead-end job and walking away from a stifling work environment.
  • Lines like the famous title phrase and “Been cheated, lied to, been worked too hard” capture the frustration and anger felt by many working people.
  • It’s a celebration of liberation and standing up for oneself, resonating with those who feel undervalued or mistreated at work.
READ MORE  Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried": A Timeless Country Anthem of Redemption and Second Chances

Legacy and Impact:

  • “Take This Job and Shove It” is considered a classic country song and a universal anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like quitting their job.
  • It transcended the country music genre and became a popular choice for blue-collar workers across various industries.
  • The song’s themes of rebellion and fighting for better treatment continue to resonate with listeners today.

Interesting Facts:

  • The song’s title caused controversy and was banned by some radio stations due to its explicit language.
  • Despite the controversy, “Take This Job and Shove It” became Paycheck’s signature song and a major turning point in his career.
  • The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, solidifying its place in pop culture.

Want to hear the song?

You can find “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck on most streaming platforms, though the original version may have censored lyrics. There are also live performances available on YouTube. You can search for “Johnny Paycheck – Take This Job And Shove It (Audio)”.

READ MORE  “Don't Take It Away” – Conway Twitty (1979)

I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you’d like to know anything else about “Take This Job and Shove It” or Johnny Paycheck.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Take this job and shove itI ain’t working here no moreMy woman done left and took all the reasonI was working forYou better not try to stand in my wayAs I’m a-walkin’ out the doorTake this job and shove itI ain’t working here no more
I’ve been workin’ in this factoryFor now on fifteen yearsAll this time I watched my womanDrownin’ in a pool of tearsAnd I’ve seen a lot of good folk dieThat had a lot of bills to payI’d give the shirt right offa’ my backIf I had the guts to say
Take this job and shove itI ain’t working here no moreMy woman done left and took all the reasonI was workin’ forYou better not try to stand in my wayAs I’m a-walkin’ out the doorTake this job and shove itI ain’t workin’ here no more
Well that foreman, he’s a regular dogThe line boss, he’s a foolGot a brand new flattop haircutLord, he thinks he’s cool
One of these days I’m gonna’ blow my topAnd that sucker, he’s gonna’ payLord, I can’t wait to see their facesWhen I get the nerve to say
Take this job and shove itI ain’t working here no moreMy woman done left and took all the reasonI was workin’ forYou better not try to stand in my wayAs I’m a-walkin’ out the doorTake this job and shove itI ain’t workin’ here no more
Take this job and shove it

Leave a Comment