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For an effortless selection of work songs, listen, download a podcast (54:11) or visit the website of "Work Songs-A Labor Day Special" on KUOW Public Radio. The NPR Labor Day special on the world of work in popular song was produced by Ross Reynolds.
The following is a sample of work songs covering multiple genres. These songs can be downloaded from iTunes, Amazon.com and online music sharing services.
| Name |
Time |
Artist |
Album |
Genre |
| Haul Away, Joe |
1:54 |
The Men of the Robert Shaw chorale |
Sea Shanties |
Folk |
| Day-O (Banana Boat Song) |
3:05 |
Harry Belafonte |
A Legendary Performer |
Folk |
| Money |
3:32 |
Jennifer Avalon |
Peace in the Valley |
Folk |
| John Henry |
4:56 |
Harry Belafonte |
A Legendary Performer |
Folk |
| Jump Down Spin Around |
2:00 |
Harry Belafonte |
A Legendary Performer |
Folk |
| Chain Gang |
2:43 |
Sam Cooke |
The Best of Sam Cooke |
Soul |
| Sixteen Tons |
2:39 |
Tennessee Ernie Ford |
Sixteen Tons |
Country |
| Take This Job and Shove It |
2:34 |
Johnny Paycheck |
Take This Job & Shove It |
Country |
| Not So Merry Gentlemen |
1:58 |
Geektones |
Cube Dweller |
Comedy |
| A Hard Day's Night |
2:33 |
The Beatles |
One |
Rock/Classic |
| Monday, Monday |
3:25 |
The Mamas & Papas |
16 Greatest Hits |
Rock/Classic |
| Welcome to the working week |
1:23 |
Elvis Costello |
My Aim is True |
Rock/Pop |
| We Work the Black Seam |
5:42 |
Sting |
The Dream of the Blue Turtles |
Rock/Pop |
| Government Center |
2:03 |
Modern Lovers |
The Modern Lovers |
Rock |
| Big Boss Man |
4:45 |
Bruce Springsteen |
Live |
Rock |
| Get a Job |
2:42 |
Sticky Pistil |
[non-album tracks] |
Punk |
| Hard Times |
3:52 |
Rum-DMC |
Greatest Hits |
Hip-Hop/Rap |
| Trade Money |
5:38 |
Dilated Peoples |
Expansion Team |
Hip-Hop/Rap |
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Work Songs was compiled by Dana Wang with help from her tech savvy spouse.
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