Workin' Man Blues

Lyrics: Merl Haggard
Music: Merl Haggard

Soundchecked by the Grateful Dead on 1 December 1973, but never played at a show. It was also played regularly by the New Riders of the Purple Sage in their live sets when they opened for the Dead in the early 70's. Played by Bob Weir & Wolf Bros in 2023.

It's a big job just gettin' by
With nine kids and a wife
But I've been a workin' man
Dang near all my life
I'll keep on workin'
As long as my two hands are fit to use
I'll drink my beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these workin' man blues

I keep my nose on the grindstone
I work hard every day
I might get a little tired on the weekend
After I draw my pay
But I'll go back workin'
Come Monday morning I'm right back with the crew
And I'll drink a little beer that evening
Sing a little bit of these workin' man blues

Sometimes I think about leaving
Do a little bummin' around
Throw all my bills out the window
Catch a train to another town
But I'll go back working
I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes
So I'll drink my beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these workin' man blues

Well hey, hey, the workin' man
Workin' man like me
I ain't never been on welfare
That's the one place I won't be
'Cause I'll be workin'
As long as my two hands are fit to use
And I'll drink my beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these workin' man blues

It's a big job just gettin' by
With nine kids and a wife
But I've been a workin' man
Dang near all my life
I'll keep on workin'
As long as my two hands are fit to use
And I'll drink my beer in a tavern
Sing a little bit of these workin' man blues

Yes I'll drink my beer in a tavern
And sing a little bit of these workin' man blues
New Riders Recordings
     Date Album
     30 Oct 1971 Glendale Train

Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography

 


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