'Take This Job And Shove It' – Johnny Paycheck

About the Song

Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job and Shove It” is more than just a song; it’s a rebellious anthem that captured the frustrations of countless workers. Released in 1977, the song quickly became a cultural touchstone, resonating with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a dead-end job.
Paycheck’s gritty vocals and the song’s driving rhythm perfectly capture the anger and defiance of a man who has reached his breaking point. The lyrics, filled with colorful language and vivid imagery, paint a picture of a working-class hero who refuses to be pushed around.

Beyond its rebellious nature, “Take This Job and Shove It” also speaks to a larger issue of worker dissatisfaction and the desire for autonomy. The song became a symbol of resistance for those who felt undervalued and overworked, inspiring countless individuals to stand up for themselves.
While the song’s message might seem extreme, it tapped into a universal feeling of frustration and the longing for a better life. Paycheck’s ability to give voice to the voiceless is what makes “Take This Job and Shove It” such an enduring and powerful piece of music.

Video

Lyrics: Take This Job And Shove It

Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
My woman done left and took all the reasons
I was working for
Ya better not try to stand in my way
As I’m walkin’, out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no moreI been working in this factory
For nigh on fifteen years
All this time I watched my woman
Drownin’ in a pool of tears
And I’ve seen a lot of good folk die
Who had a lot of bills to pay
I’d give the shirt right off of my back
If I had the guts to sayTake this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
My woman done left and took all the reasons
I was working for
Ya better not try to stand in my way
As I’m walkin’ out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
Well, that foreman, he’s a regular dog
The line boss, he’s a fool
He got a brand new flat top haircut
Lord, he thinks he’s cool
One of these days I’m gonna blow my top
And that sucker, he’s gonna pay
Lord, I can’t wait to see their faces
When I get the nerve to say
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
My woman done left and took all the reasons
I was working for
Ya better not try to stand in my way
As I’m walkin’ out the door
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t workin’ here no more
Take this job and shove it

Post navigation

The Spiritual Odyssey: George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’ The Musical Legacy of Gladys Knight & The Pips: ‘If I Were Your Woman’