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.

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