Introduction
An Ode to the American Worker: A Look at Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)”
Released in 1985, Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” became an instant country music classic. But beyond the catchy tune and soulful vocals lies a song that pays tribute to a very specific group: the blue-collar workforce of America.
This wasn’t a common theme in country music at the time. As Country music historian Bill Malone points out, “Forty Hour Week” stands out for being a rare acknowledgment of the industrial laborer [Wikipedia: 40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)].
The song’s origins lie with songwriters Dave Loggins, Don Schlitz, and Lisa Silver. It came at a significant point in American history – the mid-1980s during the Reagan era. This period saw a decline in manufacturing jobs and a shift towards service industries.
“Forty Hour Week” stands as a counterpoint to this changing landscape. The lyrics are a straightforward homage to the men and women who kept the country running with lines like “Hello Detroit auto worker” and “Hello Pittsburgh steel mill worker.” It highlights the unseen heroes, those who toil away in factories, fields, and city streets – the very foundation of a functioning nation.
The song’s popularity wasn’t just due to its celebration of the working class. It also resonated with patriotic sentiment. The final bars borrow from “America the Beautiful,” subtly weaving themes of national pride with the value of hard work.
“Forty Hour Week” reached number one on the Billboard country music charts, solidifying its place as Alabama’s 17th chart-topping song. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the American worker and a reminder of the value they bring to the nation’s success. So, as the first notes of the song play, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of those who put in their forty hours, for a livin’.