Lyrics Working-Class Woman - Barbara Dane

Working-Class Woman

Joe Workingman’s wife, that’s how I was defined
As if that was my life, my hope and my mind
But I worked in a bake-shop, did the house work at night
There was no time to stop for a young bird in flight
Well, in time there were babies, had to make us a home
Joe was working two jobs, I was always alone
I needed some time, and just a little control
Just to keep my right mind, just to try to stay whole
I wanted a partner, to be his friend, not just his wife
I’ll work hard for my children, but they’re my love, not my life!
Went to work in a factory, and it’s rough in this world
My kids are in high school, but the boss calls me «girl.»
But the woman beside me, as we sweat out the line
Says «Tomorrow is payday, and the next day is mine!»
It’s a race for the strong, 'cause it will grind up the meek
When your money runs short, 'bout the end of the week
And your car needs some tires, and your kids need some shoes
For a working class woman that’s an old kind of blues
This system buys hands, but you must not use your head
It’ll shake you and break you, 'till all your senses are dead!
But, I know there are answers.
Got to look to the source
I think me and this system got to get a divorce!
I can’t make enough money, I can’t find enough time
But I’m a hard working woman, and the future is mine
Well, there’s more where I come from, and we got anger to burn
And we’re talking and moving, we’re gonna study and learn
Build a unity trade on a straight arrow line
If today is the bosses' I know tomorrow is mine!
And I know it takes loving, and I know it takes time
But I’m a working class woman, and the future is mine
I’m a working class woman, and the future is mine!