Forty Hour Week
View chords used in this chart
C
There are people in this country
G7 C
Who work hard every day
F C G7
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
C
But the fruits of their labor
G7 C
Are worth more than their pay
F G7 C
And it's time a few of them were recognized
F C
Hello Detroit Auto Workers
F C
Let me thank you for your time
F C
You work a forty hour week for a living
G7 C
Just to send it on down the line
F C
Hello Pittsburgh Steel Mill Workers
F C
And I thank you for your time
F C
You work a forty hour week for a living
G7 C
Just to send it on down the line
C G7
This is for the one who swings the hammer
F C
Driving home the nails
G7
For the one who's behind the counter
F C
Ringing up the sales
Am
For the one who finds the fire
Em F
The one who brings the mail
G7
For everyone who works behind the scenes
C
You can see them every morning
G7 C
In the factories and the fields
F C G7
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
C
Working together
G7 C
Like spokes inside a wheel
F G7 C
They keep this country turning around
F C
Hello Kansas wheat field farmers
F C
Let me thank you for your time
F C
You work a forty hour week for a living
G7 C
Just to send it on down the line
F C
Hello West Vir-ginia coal miners
F C
Let me thank you for your time
F C
You work a forty hour week for a living
G7 C
Just to send it on down the line
C G7
This is for the one who drives the big rigs
F C
Up and down the road
G7
For the one out in the warehouse
F C
Bringing in the load
Am Em F
For the waitress the mechanic the policeman on patrol
G7
For everyone who works behind the scenes
G7 F
With a spirit you can't replace with no machine-e-e
C F C
Hello Amer-i-ca
F G7 C
Let me thank you for your time
How to play Forty Hour Week
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.