Released in 1980, ‘9 to 5’ is an iconic country-pop song written and performed by the legendary Dolly Parton.
Serving as the theme song for the hit film of the same name, the track quickly became a cultural anthem, resonating with the working class and empowering women in the workplace.
With its infectious melody, witty lyrics, and Parton’s signature heartfelt delivery.
9 to 5 Lyrics
Verse 1
Tumble out of 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’
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Chorus
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
Mmmmm…
Verse 2
They let you dream just to watch ’em shatter
You’re just a step on the boss man’s ladder
But you’ve 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
Chorus
Working 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, 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 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
Facts About 9 to 5 Lyrics
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Song Title | 9 to 5 |
| Artist | Dolly Parton |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Genre | Country-pop |
| Songwriters | Dolly Parton |
| Album | 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs |
| Film | 9 to 5 (1980) |
| Chart Performance | Reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, as well as the country charts. |
| Cultural Impact | Became an anthem for working-class individuals and a symbol of empowerment for women in the workplace. The song’s success also contributed to the popularity of the film, which starred Parton in a leading role. |
| Awards and Nominations | Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and received several other award nominations, including Grammy and Golden Globe nominations. |
| Charting in Other Countries | Achieved significant chart success in several countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. |
| Sales and Certifications | Certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over one million copies in the United States. |
| Cultural References in Popular Media and Covering | The song has been referenced and covered in various forms of popular media, including other films, TV shows, and live performances by numerous artists. |
| Legacy | “9 to 5” remains one of Dolly Parton’s most recognizable and enduring songs, showcasing her songwriting skills and vocal talent. The song’s themes continue to resonate with listeners to this day. |
If you enjoyed learning about the lyrics of this iconic hit, be sure to check out more of my content about song lyrics for other timeless classics and modern favorites
