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[2026] 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 for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[2026] Western Work Songs: A Collection of Classic Tracks About Work (31–40)

Don’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin

Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)

Don't Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin

There are powerful, high-energy cheer-up songs, and there are also ones that tell you to relax and take it easy.

This song is the latter, and it really puts you at ease.

I think it’s especially effective for people who get nervous easily or before an important exam.

Come to think of it, I used to listen to this song a lot whenever I faced a major turning point in my life.

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Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Precisely because it’s titled “The Worst Day,” listening to it when you’re truly down should give you strength.

Even with cheer-up songs, it’s hard to know whether a bright or a somber track suits someone better.

However, this pop song fits both, and it makes you feel like you’re being cheered on from behind.

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Change The WorldEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Change The World

Change The WorldEric Clapton

The commercial song for Suntory’s “BOSS.” The original track was created by American musician Tommy Sims and others.

Under the production of R&B producer Babyface, Eric Clapton covered it, and it became a major hit.

It’s a beautiful song that enjoyed a long run on the charts.

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ob-la-di,ob-la-daThe Beatles

The Beatles – Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

ob-la-di,ob-la-daThe Beatles

CM songs such as Honda’s “Stepwgn” and Asahi Breweries’ “Asahi Off.” The title “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is said to be a coined phrase by a musician acquaintance of Paul McCartney.

It’s a reggae-style pop and cheerful song.

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Old Man Hanasa ka after a night shiftCover Girls

Hanasaka Jiisan, After the Night Shift (CoverGirls 13th Performance “On a Starry Night”)

Old Man Hanasa ka after a night shiftCover Girls

This song, which really gets the otagei going, is so fast-paced that I couldn’t grasp the lyrics’ meaning while singing it, but reading them, they’re actually quite deep.

The older man working the night shift packs cardboard boxes, and his boss is younger—tough for a man, right? Even in a life like that, the song says that small connections with others can make you feel happiness in life.

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