Working-Class Woman - Barbara Dane

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!