The tides of summer rise and fall, but work is eternal. In anticipation of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, I invited colleagues to share some thought-provoking songs about the world of work, and their recommendations did not disappoint.

Many songs are less about celebrating work than about celebrating 'escaping' it. They praise the end of the workday, clocking out, or the rush to happy hour with friends. They advocate for clear boundaries and work-life balance, reminding us to do a cost-benefit analysis to ensure that compensation matches labor.

Althoughmany of these tracksfirst came out decades ago, they still hit the mark today. These records remind us that AI may be shaping today's workflows—for better or worse—but the essence of working life is no different than it was in the past.

Here are a few songs you can play on repeat over Labor Day weekend—or add to your daily commute playlist.

Dolly Parton, '9 to 5'

I won't pretend to be a die-hard Dolly Parton fan. Of course I like her—who doesn't?!—but until she passed away not long ago, I had never really paid close attention to her work. However, after learning more about her and revisiting '9 to 5,' I found much to love.

Dolly achieved great heights, but she spoke for the sincere, hardworking common person, whether man or woman. The world today is as much a rich man's game as it was in 1980, and frustratingly, likely even more so. But Dolly illuminated the dignity of workers—and their ability to rise above their circumstances.

— Emilie Shumway, HR Dive

Billy Bragg, 'There is Power in a Union'

This is a quintessential union song. It points out that true power comes from the collective, from all the workers in the factory standing together to defend and fight for their rights. I can't think of a more fitting song for Labor Day.

— Ginger Christ, HR Dive

Queen & David Bowie, 'Under Pressure'

Listening to this song might make some people feel stressed and anxious, but I find it energetic and upbeat, with lyrics like 'Can't we give ourselves one more chance? Why can't we give love that one more chance?'—it's optimistic and empathetic.

— Kara Arundel, K-12 Dive

Eugen Pottier & Pierre de Geyter, 'L'Internationale'

This song evokes an era when workers had far more confidence in themselves when facing management than they do today.

— Aneurin Canham-Clyne, Restaurant Dive

Johnny Paycheck, 'Take This Job and Shove It'

The first time I heard this song as a kid, I laughed so hard I fell to the floor. But as an adult, its meaning has changed. No matter how much we love our jobs, there comes a moment when something happens that stirs up enough anxiety to make us question everything—including whether to stay for one more day.

Sometimes, it's a comfort to be reminded that you're not alone in wanting to tell the powers that be at work to 'shove it.'

— Katie Pyzyk, Packaging Dive

Billy Joel, 'Pressure'

Reportedly, Billy Joel wrote this song while under immense pressure and facing writer's block. I love it because I think it speaks for everyone who is inventing, creating, fixing, and problem-solving, and their desire to succeed.

— Kara Arundel, K-12 Dive

Beyoncé, 'Break My Soul'

When work feels like drudgery, Beyoncé's 'Break My Soul' is my go-to song to remind myself to find purpose in my career and not get bogged down by the daily grind. Beyoncé sings, 'I'm building my own foundation.' For me, that means seeing how my nine-to-five connects to a larger vision of living a meaningful life. It also reminds HR professionals that every employee has their own dreams, goals, and ideal lifestyle.

— Catherine Douglas Moran, Grocery Dive

Pete Seeger, 'Solidarity Forever'

This song has always been an uplifting, powerful anthem, sometimes sung at union meetings, protests, mutual aid events, and other community gatherings. The lyrics are perfect for group singing, which adds a sense of gravity, volume, power, and solidarity to the melody!

'They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn / But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn.' This remains relevant today as countless workers still organize for better wages and safety.

— Megan Quinn, Waste Dive

Ateez, 'Work'

My previous recommendation, 'Solidarity Forever,' celebrated the beautiful world created by organized unions and collective action. This time, I'm completely switching gears and recommending a K-pop banger. 'Work' continues the tradition of other classic 'I'm successful, sexy, and rich' songs.

It has everything: mentions of gold watches and private jets, celebrating the grind around the clock, and a pretty fantastic lyric: 'Put on a fur coat and make them purr / See me making money and they get whiplash.' Do I endorse this? No. But sometimes, when I'm on deadline and payday is a week away, I need a powerful pop song to pump me up. Gotta work!

— Megan Quinn, Waste Dive

Below are the rest of the work-themed song recommendations; feel free to keep browsing.