Song Information
Title: 9 to 5
Artist: Dolly Parton
Writer: Dolly Parton
Album: 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs
Release Date: November 1980
Genre: Country pop / Working-class anthem
Label: RCA Records
Producer: Gregg Perry
“9 to 5” was written and performed by Dolly Parton for the 1980 comedy film of the same name, in which she also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary chart in early 1981. It also earned Dolly an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and won two Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. With its upbeat tempo and biting lyrics, “9 to 5” became a defining anthem for working women across generations.
Song Meaning
“9 to 5” isn’t just a catchy tune—it’s a powerful statement wrapped in an infectious beat. The song gives voice to the everyday frustrations of millions of workers, particularly women, who struggle in underappreciated roles within a rigid corporate system.
From the very first line, “Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen,” Dolly paints a relatable picture of the morning grind. The lyrics speak to the monotony of the workday, the lack of recognition, and the glass ceilings many women face. Lines like “It’s a rich man’s game no matter what they call it” hint at the systemic inequality embedded in many workplaces.
Despite the serious themes, the song’s tone is energetic and defiant. It celebrates resilience, dreams of justice, and the collective power of women who support one another. Dolly’s warm, witty delivery gives the song both sass and strength—making it a rallying cry for working-class dignity.
Explaining the Message Behind the Song
What made “9 to 5” resonate so deeply wasn’t just its catchy chorus—it was the truth it told about women in the workforce at a pivotal moment in history.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, American women were joining the workforce in record numbers. Yet many found themselves stuck in dead-end jobs, underpaid and overworked, with limited advancement opportunities. The film 9 to 5 and its title song tapped directly into that shared frustration.
Dolly Parton, who came from humble beginnings, understood the strength and struggle of the working woman. Her lyrics reflected the daily battles women fought in male-dominated office spaces—facing sexism, wage gaps, and lack of representation. But instead of preaching, she sang with humor and heart.
The result was a song that empowered without blaming, and motivated without moralizing. It offered solidarity: “You’re not alone, and you’re not wrong for wanting more.” That’s why, decades later, “9 to 5” still echoes in modern conversations about gender equality, labor rights, and economic justice. It’s not just a soundtrack for a movie—it’s a voice for millions.
Watch the Song Video
Lyrics
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