Dolly Parton – 9 To 5

About the song

Few songs capture the spirit of working-class resilience quite like Dolly Parton’s iconic anthem “9 to 5.” Released in 1980, this track isn’t just a catchy country-pop tune — it’s a bold statement about gender inequality, economic frustration, and the struggle for respect in the workplace. Written and performed by Dolly Parton herself for the film of the same name, “9 to 5” gave voice to millions of women who were — and still are — juggling long hours, low pay, and limited recognition.

From the very first typewriter-like rhythm that opens the track, you know you’re in for something special. The beat is playful, but the message runs deep. With lyrics like “working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living, barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving,” Parton captures the exhausting grind of the modern job — especially for women stuck in underpaid positions with little chance for advancement. Yet she delivers the message with charm, wit, and an unmistakable sparkle that only Dolly can bring.

Part of what makes the song so powerful is how relatable it remains, even decades later. Whether you’re punching a time clock, sitting in a cubicle, or navigating the hustle of freelance life, “9 to 5” taps into that universal feeling of working hard while dreaming of something better. It’s no surprise the song became a hit on both country and pop charts and earned Parton an Academy Award nomination and multiple Grammy Awards.

But more than just a hit, “9 to 5” became an anthem for workplace fairness and empowerment. It helped fuel conversations around equal pay, respect in the office, and female leadership — topics still fiercely relevant today.

In the end, “9 to 5” is more than music. It’s a rallying cry. A celebration of grit. And a reminder that behind every desk, counter, or cash register stands someone with dreams, drive, and a voice worth hearing.

Video

Lyrics

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 pumpin’
Out on the street
The traffic starts jumpin’
The folks like me on the job from 9 to 5

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

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

You’re in the same boat
With a lot of your friends
Waitin’ for the day your ship’ll come in
‘N’ the tide’s gonna turn
And it’s all gonna roll your way

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 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, whoa
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 dream 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

Working 9 to 5