9 to 5

Ahh...finally the work week has come to an end, and it is time to relax. I can't think of a better song to celebrate the week's end than Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," which was released in 1980. This song has always been one of my favorites because it has the best lyrics of any tune I've heard pertaining to working for the man. The movie is also hysterical, and it is at the top of my list of favorite movies as well. If you have not seen this movie, you should! Go rent it or watch it on your computer - it is one of the best comedies in the history of comedic films.

The lyrics really are the prize-winner in this song - or so I thought for many years. Of course, that was until I heard the version sung by Melissa Etheridge and Dolly Parton on CMT's "Crossroads." I took a look at "Bring Me Some Water" from that episode in a previous post because that performance simply blew me away. All of the songs from the Parton/Etheridge episode are winners in my opinion, so I do hope you'll enjoy "9 to 5." Melissa Etheridge puts an excellent edgy spin on the tune - really making it the "people's song." Etheridge and Parton harmonize and compliment each other so well vocally. They make it look so effortless - it's amazing. The supporting group of instrumentalists coupled with the live setting of this performance really ad to the true grit of the tune. It packs a punch, and it also delivers a laugh at the end. "Working 9 to 5 and 6 to 10 and 8 to 12... it's enough to drive you...AHHHHH!" I love that part. So much better to laugh at the "rich man's game, no matter what they call it" when we spend our time "putting money in his wallet." Touché! Love this song. Hope you enjoy it as well. It's not a typical 80s rock or pop tune, but it sure is a good one.