Introduction
The Anthem of the American Worker: Alabama’s “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)”
Released in April 1985, “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” by Alabama wasn’t just another country hit. It marked a turning point for the band and became a powerful anthem for the American worker.
A Shift in Sound: Up until this point, Alabama was known for their smoother country sound with themes of love and the rural South. “Forty Hour Week” signaled a creative shift. The music took on a tougher, more driving edge, reflecting the blue-collar work ethic it celebrated.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes: The song’s lyrics, penned by Dave Loggins, Don Schlitz, and Lisa Silver, don’t focus on CEOs or executives. Instead, they shine a light on the everyday heroes who keep the country running: the firefighter, the postal worker, the cashier. The chorus proudly declares, “This is for the one who swings the hammer/Driving home the nail/Or the one behind the counter/Ringing up the sale.”
Chart-Topping Success: “Forty Hour Week” wasn’t just a critical hit; it was a commercial juggernaut. It became Alabama’s 17th consecutive No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, surpassing a record previously held by Sonny James. This achievement cemented Alabama’s place as country music royalty.
A Legacy of Hard Work: “Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)” transcended genre. Its message of dedication and the dignity of honest labor resonated with a wider audience, even reaching the pop charts. The song remains a timeless classic, a reminder of the value of hard work and the backbone of the American economy – the everyday people who put in their forty hours, week after week.
Video