9 to 5

Album: 9 To 5 And Odd Jobs (1980)
Charted: 47 1
Play Video
  • (9 to 5)

    Tumble outta 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 pumping
    Out on the street the traffic's jumping
    With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5 (mm, yeah)

    Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
    Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
    They just use your mind and they never give you credit
    It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it (if you let it)

    Working 9 to 5, for service and devotion
    You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion
    Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me
    I swear sometimes that man is out to get me (he's out to get me)

    (9 to 5) 9 to 5
    (9 to 5) working, working, working
    (9 to 5)

    They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter
    You're just a step on the boss man's ladder
    But you got dreams he'll never take away (he'll never take 'em away)
    You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends
    Waiting for the day your ship'll come in (mm)
    And the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way (I just know it)

    Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living
    Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
    They just use your mind and they never give you credit
    It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it (but you won't let it)

    Working 9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
    There's a better life and you think about it, don't you? (You dream about it)
    It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it
    And you spend your life putting money in his wallet (putting money in his wallet)

    Working 9 to 5, whoa what a way to make a living
    Barely getting by, it's all taking and no giving
    They just use your mind and they never give you credit
    It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it (crazy if you let it)

    Working 9 to 5, working 9 to 5
    (You dream about it, don't you?)
    It's a rich man's game no matter what they call it (mm)
    And you spend your life putting money in his wallet (putting money in his wallet)

    (9 to 5) just working, working, working
    (9 to 5) just working, working, working
    (9 to 5) and you think about it don't ya
    (9 to 5) yeah, you think about it don't ya
    (9 to 5) Writer/s: Dolly Parton
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 7

  • Anna from AustraliaLinda from Shelton,Wa
    The first line of melody in the song is identical to that of an old-time fiddle tune called “Me and my fiddle”. I wonder if Dolly remembered that tune and built a song around it.
  • B from Ur Mom’s HouseDolly Parton is just such a lovely soul with such an incredible voice, I could listen to it all day
  • Linda from Shelton, WaThe first line of melody in the song is identical to that of an old-time fiddle tune called "Me and my fiddle". I wonder if Dolly remembered that tune and built a song around it.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn February 21st, 1980 "9 to 5" reached No. 1 for one week; then "I Love a Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt moved into the top spot for two weeks. But dolly reclaimed #1 for one more week!!!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyThis song was nominated for Best Song at the 1980 Academy Awards {Lost to "Fame" from the movie of the same name}!!!
  • Rob from Fredericton, NbJust a great classic song with a qwirky way about it. Definitely puts a smile on everyone's face when it plays. You can't help but laugh cause everyone has heard it one time in their life.
  • Nunzio from Darwin, AustraliaThere was a porn version of 9 to 5 called 8 to 4 &
    they ripped this off at the start of it during the opening credits.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Love of The Beach Boys

Mike Love of The Beach BoysSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."