I’m a hard workin’ man
I wear a steel hard hat
Yeah, I can ride, rope, hammer and paint
Do things with my hands that most men can’t
I can’t get ahead no matter how hard I try
I’m gettin’ really good at barely gettin’ by
Got everything I own
By the sweat of my brow
From my four-wheel drive to my cowboy boots
I owe it all to my blue collar roots
Feel like I’m workin’ overtime on a runaway train
I’ve got to bust loose from this ball and chain
I’m a hard, hard workin’ man
I got it all on theline
For a piece of the promised land
I’m burnin’ my candle at both ends
‘Bout the only way to keep the fire goin’
Is to outrun the wind
Come Friday night
I like to party hard
I carry on with the Cadillac cuties
Spend my whole week’s pay on some weekend beauty
Come Monday mornin’ I’m the first to arrive
Ain’t nothin’ but business from nine till five
I’m a hard, hard workin man
I got it all on the line
For a piece of the promised land
I’m burnin’ my candle at both ends
‘Bout the only way to keep the fire goin’
Is to outrun the wind
I can’t wait to get up in the mornin’
And do it all over again
Well I’m a hard livin’, hard workin’ man
The Grit and Determination of the Everyday Worker
“Hard Workin’ Man” by Brooks & Dunn paints a vivid portrait of the blue-collar spirit that fuels so much of American life. The lyrics celebrate the resolve of a man who takes immense pride in his labor, from donning a steel hard hat to wielding tools with skill and grit. Despite facing relentless challenges and feeling like he’s always playing catch-up, he never loses hope or drive. The song highlights not just the struggles but also the camaraderie, resilience, and moments of release that come from hard work—especially those hard-earned weekends that provide a sense of freedom and joy.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Ronnie Dunn, Don Cook
Release Year: 1993
Label: Arista Nashville