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[2025] Western Work Songs: A Collection of Classic Tracks About Work

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

A work song—literally a “labor song”—refers to songs that were actually sung on the job, such as during farm work or in factories.

Folk songs kept in time with handclaps while tilling the fields, and work songs sung to the rhythm of factory machinery, have been passed down alongside the history of labor.

This article introduces classic Western work songs—both old and new—born from the popular music scene that take “work” and “labor” as their themes.

These masterpieces, which sing about work and workers from various perspectives, are sure to resonate with those of us who face our daily jobs.

[2025] Work Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Classic Tracks Related to Work (41–50)

The PassengerIggy Pop

Iggy Pop – The Passenger (Official Video)

The PassengerIggy Pop

Work songs were originally music played to keep people engaged while doing physical labor or repetitive tasks, such as in factories.

That being the case, refined, highbrow music fit for royalty isn’t suitable.

Music of the working class—like Iggy Pop—would be more appropriate.

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[2025] Western work songs: A roundup of classic tracks about work (51–60)

Working manUnicorn

I’ve been introducing mostly Western music, but when it comes to Japanese work songs, this classic by Unicorn is the one.

I’m sure many dads listen to this song—or recall it—and keep grinding away at overtime late into the night.

It’s a highly recommended track.

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Rock Around The ClockBill Haley

Bill Haley – Rock Around The Clock (1956)

Rock Around The ClockBill Haley

It’s truly an original song that forms the foundation of rock.

This track gradually influenced and evolved, impacting artists like the Beatles, Presley, Michael Jackson, and many others.

It would even be good to play at the workplace to help people learn about that history.

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I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue – I Should Be So Lucky

I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE

Sadly, many young people these days don’t know Kylie Minogue’s classic hits.

If you play them at the workplace, though, their catchy pop melodies will likely catch the attention of younger colleagues.

Doing so can also help build a sense of unity as part of workplace teamwork.

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LullabyLow

Low – Lullaby

LullabyLow

Low are largely overlooked in Japan, which is precisely why their music deserves to be appreciated.

If you play them at work, few people will recognize the songs, so you should be able to focus on your tasks.

However, be warned: they can be highly addictive.

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Daydream BelieverMonkees

Monkees – Daydream Believer – Great Audio Quality. Music Video From MTV.

Daydream BelieverMonkees

This song is probably a classic that everyone knows.

When it comes to The Monkees, they’re a famous band second only to The Beatles, so it’s a safe choice in that regard as well.

I think it would suit any workplace, but in kindergartens or nursery schools, it’s also something you can feel comfortable letting children listen to.

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Take Me Somewhere NiceMogwai

Mogwai – Take Me Somewhere Nice (Lyrics)

Take Me Somewhere NiceMogwai

If it’s a demanding research-type job, then similarly complex music without a clear melody might actually be a good fit.

There are many post-rock artists and bands, but I think Mogwai is the most famous among them.

If you like it, please listen to their other tracks as well.

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