Nine To Five
The Kinks · Soap Opera [1975]
of sweat and toil has begun.
Nine To Five
Answering phones and dictating letters
Making decisions that affect no one.
Stuck in the office from nine until five
Life is so incredibly dull,
Working from nine to five.
Oh nine to five, nine to five,
Working from nine to five.
And time goes by
The hours tick away.
First seconds,
Then minutes,
Then hours into days.
Each day,
Each week,
Seems just like any other.
All work,
No play,
It's just another day.
He's caught in a mass of computerised trivia,
Deciphering data for mechanical minds.
He's lost in the paperwork and up to his eyes,
He's checking a list that's been checked out before
And he's starting to lose his mind.
Oh nine to five, nine to five,
Working from nine to five.
(repeat).
Nine To Five
The Kinks' "Nine To Five" stands as a standout track from their 1975 album, Soap Opera. During this period, the band explored darker, more theatrical themes, moving away from the straightforward rock of their earlier years. This recording captures the weary rhythm of daily labor, reflecting the group's interest in the mundane struggles of working-class life. Ray Davies' songwriting often highlighted social commentary, and this piece fits seamlessly into a discography rich with observational narratives. The song's composition utilizes the band's signature melodic sensibility to underscore the repetitive nature of the nine-to-five grind. It remains a compelling example of how the group adapted their sound to address contemporary societal pressures, offering listeners a poignant glimpse into the era's cultural landscape through their distinctive musical lens.