If you’ve had a tough day, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled the best songs about hating work you might be able to relate to. Turn the volume up to drown out your hatred of your job, or hit play on this playlist to prepare you for the next week at work.
1. “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton
Song Year: 1980
We’ll start the list off with one of the most iconic songs about hating your job. “9 To 5” is one of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits and will resonate with anyone that ever felt trapped in a daily grind for their job.
Parton belts out an empowering vocal that’s backed by a fun and lively mix of country and pop instruments. While the song is uptempo, fun, and bright, Parton’s lyrics tell a story of workplace dissatisfaction and a deep desire for freedom.
If you’re sick of your job, you’ll relate to “9 To 5.”
2. “Workin’ For A Livin’” by Huey Lewis & The News
Song Year: 1982
If “9 To 5” is the anthem of office workers, “Workin’ For A Livin’” qualifies as the anthem for blue-collar workers that hate their jobs.
Huey Lewis & The News lend their signature blend of pop and rock to this track to give the listeners another feel-good anthem about hating your job.
The song features an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics about the daily struggles of the average employee. As you work hard paycheck to paycheck, keep this song in your playlist to remind you that you’re not alone.
3. “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck
Song Year: 1977
“Take This Job and Shove It” is one of the most memorable country songs about hating your job and is the perfect song to play while you quit your job.
Gritty and twangy paycheck captures the feeling and defiant attitude of an employee who’s fed up with his job. Whether it was unruly customers or a rude boss, “Take This Job and Shove It” gives listeners the courage and determination to stand up for their rights at their job.
Johnny Paycheck shows that no job is worth the hassle if you lose yourself and your freedom.
4. “Don’t Talk To Me About Work” by Lou Reed
Song Year: 1983
Lou Reed delves into the complexity of work and the stress that a job creates in “Don’t Talk To Me About Work.” The song is introspective, and Reed delves deep into the frustration and anxiety associated with working.
Instead of an upbeat tongue-in-cheek song, Reed uses his song to deliver a brooding and minimalist backdrop for the song’s content. The result is a story about how dehumanizing work can be and how everyone longs for the chance to escape to freedom.
5. “Dead End Job” by The Police
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8zPHoHDMsg
Song Year: 1978
Do you feel like your career is going nowhere? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Released in 1978, The Police gave us another anthem about hating your job, “Dead End Job.”
Combining the group’s catchy guitar hooks, reggae-infused beats, and Sting’s iconic vocals, the trio creates a tune that draws listeners in to experience a rebellious tune.
During the song, Sting sings about how an employee’s life can be monotonous, mundane, and soul-crushing.
6. “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” by The Smiths
Song Year: 1984
No list about hating work is complete without an alternative rock song by The Smiths. “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” is a melancholic masterpiece that seamlessly fuses the band’s signature sound with Morriessey’s introspective vocals.
During the song, The Smiths cover alienation, unfulfilled dreams, and the struggles everyone experiences daily. This song is for anyone who’s ever felt trapped or misunderstood at their workplace.
7. “Uprising” by Muse
Song Year: 2009
Released in 2009, Muse gives us a modern take on how to hate your job. “Uprising” is one of the band’s biggest hits, and the song immediately grabs your attention with its addictive soundscape.
This rebellious anthem is a blend of alternative rock and electronic sounds. The song aims at oppressive systems and begs the listener to join the upcoming revolution.
After listening to “Uprising,” you should feel empowered and ready to stand up to any authority.
8. “Shove This Jay-Oh Bee” by Canibus featuring Biz Markie
Song Year: 1999
Featured in the film “Office Space,” Canibus tells us exactly what he feels about going to work every day.
“Shove This Jay-Oh Bee” grabs you from the very first lyrics, and Canibus delivers his usual razor-sharp flow and rhyming skills.
Both rappers tackle the exploitative nature of working and the struggles they faced while trying to maintain a creative vision in the music industry.
9. “Workhorse” by Mastodon
Song Year: 2002
Another song about hating work. If you’ve had a rough day at work, there’s no better way to let off some steam than to listen to heavy metal tunes.
Mastodon is no stranger to hard-hitting guitar riffs, and the band gives us a workplace anthem you’ll never forget on “Workhorse.”
The song delves into themes about resilience and how to persevere in the face of tough challenges. You’ll feel determined to overcome any obstacles after rocking out to “Workhorse.”
10. “Soul Suckin’ Jerk” by Beck
Song Year: 1994
He may be weird and quirky, but Beck knows how to get his point across. “Soul Suckin’ Jerk” is Beck’s way of telling you to quit your horrible job.
The song features a mid-tempo beat and distorted vocal elements to create a hipster-style ode to hating your job. During the song, Beck expertly uses satire to comment on the dehumanizing aspects of most careers.
Funny, witty, and relevant, “Soul Suckin’ Jerk” is an effective reminder never to take life too seriously.
11. “Bad Days” by The Flaming Lips
Song Year: 1995
Released in 1995, “Bad Days” was The Flaming Lips’ contribution to the “Batman Forever” Soundtrack. The film uses the song during a scene where Edward Nigma has lost his job and becomes the Riddler.
“Bad Days” is a melancholic romp that explores the challenges associated with disappointment in your life. You have to learn to accept some days are bad and some are good.
While the song may get you down, the lyrics offer an uplifting message that shines through at the end.
12. “Custom Concern” by Modest Mouse
Song Year: 1996
If you want to get depressed about your job, listen to “Custom Concern” by Modest Mouse. This slow and somber acoustic track gives the listener a melancholic soundscape to cry to after a hard day at work.
From personal struggles to missed connections, everyone needs time to look inward and ignore the chaos going on around you at your job.
Modest Mouse uses their ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics and a beautiful composition that makes you feel like it’s ok to hate your job, and this feeling is universal.
13. “I’ve Had It” by Black Flag
Song Year: 1983
If your job makes you want to scream, hit play on ‘I’ve Had It” by Black Flag. While the song is only one and a half minutes long, that’s plenty of time to unleash your anger on the world.
In that short period, Black Flag touches on the dangers of conformity, resisting the mundane, and challenging the status quo.
Give the song a listen before you go crazy and quit your job.
14. “Spaceship” by Kanye West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn77gzjBl1U
Song Year: 2004
Sampling Marvin Gaye’s “Distant Lover,” Kanye West delivers a timeless track that sounds both modern and nostalgic. The captivating rhythm and samples are accompanied by West’s seamless blend of storytelling rhymes.
West wants to preserve themself while escaping bonds that trap him in the industry. “Spaceship” wants you to know that you’re not alone if you’ve ever felt trapped at your job. If you follow Kanye’s advice, you may make the richest rappers list by following your dream
15. “9 To 5’ers Anthem” by Aesop Rock
Song Year: 2001
If you prefer hip-hop with complex verses and thought-provoking lyrics, Aesop Rock is the rapper for you. As one of the most prolific lyricists, Aesop Rock uses his unparalleled skills to craft a deep, complex narrative about hating your job on this track.
“9 To 5’ers Anthem” draws you in from the first sample. Once Aesop Rock gets to work, he delivers a story about the hardships of a boring job and life. He also uses his verses to teach about lost dreams and the constant cycle of regular day-to-day employment.
16. “Working Man” by Rush
Song Year: 1974
As soon as you hear the first guitar riff in “Working Man,” you know you’re in for a wild ride. Rush sings about the struggles of the everyday man and how they never have a day off.
The song is relatable to anyone who’s ever been fed up with their job. The band knows your pain and knows that you are important to keep the world working.
17. “Pumping for the Man” by Ween
Song Year: 1992
Ween is known for mixing genres up when they play, and you might not expect this style of song from the band. “Pumping for the Man” starts with an exhilarating drumbeat and quickly devolves into quirky guitar rhythms and offbeat lyrics.
The song is a humorous commentary on the frustrations the working class endure daily. From boring and repetitive tasks to the endless pursuit of money, Ween thinks working sucks.
18. “Found a Job” by The Talking Heads
Song Year: 1978
Fun and funky, The Talking Heads uses catchy melodies and bouncy lyrics to get their point across in “Found a Job.”
The song gets going right from the start with a chunky guitar riff followed by David Byrne’s iconic voice. He uses his time to sing about the workplace and relationships you need to manage while employed.
You’ll learn about the challenges people face when finding and maintaining employment.
19. “Quit Your Job” by Thundamentals
Song Year: 2014
We’ll end the list on a fun and upbeat note. “Quit Your Job” is a hip-hop anthem from Australian rappers Thundamentals. This tune is a fun journey through rap that encourages listeners to chase their passions and embrace their creativity.
Thundamentals encourage you to avoid conformity and dare to pursue your dreams. There will always be another job, so don’t be afraid to quit your job and follow your path through life.
Best Songs About Hating Your Job, Final Thoughts
If you’re sick of working 9 to 5 at a dead-end job and are ready to say, “Take this job and shove it,” this list of tunes should get you in the mood.
From fun country tunes to hard-hitting metal, we hope these songs about hating work will improve your mood.