It Takes a Job (to Make a Man a Man)

Story Behind The Song

One of a cycle of songs from 40 Years Later that explores Baby Boomer issues today.

Song Description

A country-tinged song with acoustic guitar and barroom piano that talks about losing your job later in life.

Song Length 3:13 Genre Country - General
Tempo Medium Slow (91 - 110) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Troubled, Poignant Subject Economics, Worry
Similar Artists Tom Waits, M. Ward

Lyrics

IT TAKES A JOB
(TO MAKE A MAN A MAN)
Words and Music
Tom Griffith

All I want to do is make a living
Find some honest work for a decent wage
Right now I'd take anything they'd give me
But they say there's nothing for a man my age

I can't remember when I wasn't working
I built my whole life with these two hands
Now I can't sit around just doing nothing
'Cause what I do is who I am

It takes a job to make a man a man
And if you ain't been there you can't understand
It's hard to face the world your hat in hand
'Cause it takes a job to make a man a man . . .yeah

My wife smiles and says she knows we'll make it
But I can see the worry in her eyes
Sometimes late at night I hear her crying
And those tears wash away what's left of my pride

It takes a job to make a man a man
And if you ain't been there you can't understand
Now love can make you do the best you can
But it takes a job to make a man a man . . .yeah

© 2002 Two Wings Music/ASCAP

Lyrics Tom Griffith Music Tom Griffith
Producer Tom Griffith/Mike Morrison Performance Tom Griffith

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