Labor Day weekend is here, a time for Americans to enjoy a holiday intended to honor the achievements of our workers. Because this holiday comes late in the summer season, many of us coordinate our celebrations with a wrap-up of summer fun before fall temperatures kick in. I plan to spend a day at Cape Cod this weekend with friends and hopefully the weather will cooperate!
As we move into Monday’s holiday, I’ll be thinking about both of my grandfathers. Each were from immigrant families and were not able to partake in the privilege of an education. Instead, they were life-long laborers at blue-collar jobs with hopes of giving subsequent generations opportunities they did not have. Our family benefitted from their sacrifices and learned about hard work from their example.
Our country was built and continues to prosper thanks to our robust labor force. Many songs have been written in honor of workers, and I have compiled a short list in case you’d like to incorporate holiday-themed music into your weekend.
Bruce Springsteen’s The River: You already know I’m a huge Springsteen fan, and many of his songs pertain to workers and their struggles, but this one is a favorite.
Dropkick Murphys’ Worker’s Song: This American Celtic punk band formed in Massachusetts wrote this song as a tribute to workers.
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: This upbeat take on the doldrums of the daily grind is a true American classic, just like Dolly herself.
Rush’s Working Man: One of my husband’s favorite Rush songs, Working Man appeared on the Canadian band’s first album and recalls a day in the life of a worker.
Pete Seeger’s Which Side Are You On: Written by Florence Reece, wife of a mine worker and union organizer, this song captured the bitter struggle between miners and mine owners in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1931. Pete Seeger later recorded it and brought the tune to a wider audience.
Language of Friendship 
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