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A lot of songs out there are often associated with certain groups of people. Teenagers will forever have "My Heart Will Go On" as their weepy romance standard, "Stayin' Alive" will never grow old for discophiles, and the Deadheads will eternally get down -- in a groovy, mellow sort of way, of course -- to "Truckin'."
But what about job seekers? What do the people who are writing resumes and doing keyword searches have as their anthem? Where is their fight song, their inspirational Top 40 tune? The Who's "The Seeker"? U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"? Hardly.
We've come to the rescue with this list of songs that, whether by title, lyric, attitude or theme, not only apply pretty well to the realities and sentiments of looking for a job, but may also aid you in your search for employment. Perhaps you'll find inspiration in the lyrics of wisdom from people working in a notoriously competitive field: The music industry.
"Livin' on a Prayer"
The title may say it all for some job seekers. This heroic (We consider the lyrics "Woah-ho!" heroic.) ballad by Bon Jovi recounts the story of Tommy, who used to work on the docks before the union went on strike, and Gina, who works at the diner all day, in their struggle to make it. I swear. Too bad love doesn't pay.
"Workin' at the Carwash Blues"
Story-telling folk singer Jim Croce (of "Time in a Bottle" fame) sympathizes with all those people getting by in crummy jobs while searching for an "executive position" in this tale of undiscovered genius. In the meantime, though, he's got "them steadily depressin', low-down, mind-messin', workin'-at-the-car-wash blues.
"Paperback Writer"
Claiming he needs a job and a break, the aspiring writer in this Beatles tune has turned to that potential windfall for down-and-out scribes: Penning trashy novels. A plea from a desperate artist, this one is not only a classic, but a tutorial on how to pitch your first book to a publisher -- write a bestselling song about it.
"Taking Care of Business"
Bachman Turner Overdrive takes a jab at everyone stuck slaving away at a 9-to-5 while they lie in the sun, basking in unemployment. An optimistic turn on being self-employed in the business of doing nothing, it can also serve to prove that you don't have to return to the rat race to be successful (as long as you're a popular musician).
"9 to 5"
What a way to make a living. Featured as the title track for her 1980 comic film with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in which the three assistants teach their jerky boss a lesson, this Dolly Parton ditty tells you not to forget that the daily grind can suck. Be careful what you wish for.
"One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer"
The notorious home remedy for the down-and-out bluesman who can't pay the rent because he can't find no job, this song was famously covered by George Thorogood, who, ironically, also wrote the antireal-job rock tune, "Get a Haircut (and Get a Real Job)." However, the only people working in this song are the bartender and the landlady.
"Money for Nothing"
The unofficial theme song for those collecting unemployment benefits, this '80s Dire Straits single should remind you that work can still be found installing microwave ovens and moving refrigerators and color TVs. Unemployment does not, however, guarantee you "chicks for free."
"Permanent Vacation"
Aerosmith had something a little different in mind as far as how they would spend their unlimited time off (They don't seem to mention sending out resumes in this one.), but even job hunters -- maybe especially job hunters -- can sympathize with the desire to drop everything and head to the beach. Dream on?
"She Works Hard for the Money"
Focused on the struggles of a bathroom attendant named Onetta who singer Donna Summer once met (really -- check the lyrics), this is the rah-rah demand for respect deserved by all the hard-working women out there. Lesson for those grinding out a lousy job: You just never know when a disco superstar will notice you and rocket you into fame with your very own song. Keep your chin up.
"Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades"
Come on, it's not all doom and gloom, so why not end on a happy note? Maybe you've got a job and you're just looking for a better one. This song from the alternative '80s husband-and-wife duo Timbuk3 is about a nuclear science student about to get his first job. It should remind you of a time when work was plentiful and the economy was up -- those times will come again.
