Sing For the Common Man
Dolly Parton · 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs [1980]
You may not know me now but I have been around
You'll never see my name on any pages
I'm just the common man the fool who understands
The pain you go through when life takes you under.
So sing for the common man
A song for the common man
He paid for the song with the sweat of his brow
He will survive, he will survive.
You may not know my mother, My sisters or my brothers
Yet everyone has given for the other
You know the working man he builds what others plan
So, everyone of us should sing his story.
So sing for the common man
A song for the common man
He paid for the song with the sweat of his brow
He will survive, he will survive.
Day after day he keeps working away
In offices, factories and farms
Year after year he sheds tear after tear
He will provide, he will survive.
So sing for the common man
A song for the common man
He paid for the song with the sweat of his brow
He will survive, he will survive.
So sing for the common man
A song for the common man
He paid for the song with the sweat of his brow
He will survive, he will survive.
So sing for the common man
A song for the common man
He paid for the song with the sweat of his brow
He will survive, he will survive...
About Sing For the Common Man
Dolly Parton's "Sing For the Common Man" stands as a defining anthem from her 1980 album *9 to 5 and Odd Jobs*, capturing the spirit of working-class resilience and community solidarity. Released during a period where Parton solidified her status as a cultural icon, the track blends her signature folk-pop style with a message of unity that resonated deeply across generations. The song's upbeat rhythm contrasts with its earnest lyrics, urging listeners to celebrate everyday people and their shared struggles. As a staple of her discography, it exemplifies her ability to craft music that is both commercially successful and socially conscious, reinforcing her legacy as an artist who championed the underrepresented. This recording remains a testament to her enduring influence on country and pop music, bridging the gap between personal storytelling and broader social commentary.