Why do we work? The answer might seem obvious; as teenagers the world over have long been told, the world does not owe you a living, but predictions by economists that technological advances would inevitably lead to shorter working hours have not been borne out. We work more than ever, and experience more stress and dissatisfaction with our lives as a result. As Dolly Parton's famous song about the working life, '9 to 5', puts it: 'it's enough to drive you crazy, if you let it'. It was released at a moment when work was changing rapidly: agriculture and manufacturing jobs were collapsing, the number of women in work had risen dramatically, and the power of organised labour was permanently diminished. Parton, a sharper and more subtle songwriter than almost any of her contemporary critics could credit, was able to write a song in the midst of these historic changes which speaks to anyone who's ever watched a clock, longing for the working day to end: 'working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living'.
All the songs discussed in this episode, including the original recording of '9 to 5' can be heard here. If you've enjoyed it, please leave a review on Apple podcasts; thank you.
With very special thanks to Paul Wierdak, the producer of this episode.
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