About the song
Jim Croce, a folk singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt lyrics and storytelling abilities, penned “Working at the Car Wash Blues” as a relatable and humorous song about the challenges of everyday life. This upbeat track, released in 1972, became a popular addition to Croce’s live performances and a beloved song among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive raspy voice and intimate delivery, Croce paints a vivid picture of the mundane realities of working at a car wash. The song explores themes of boredom, frustration, and the search for meaning in life. Through introspective lyrics and Croce’s emotive vocals, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and find humor in the everyday struggles.
The opening lines, “Well, I’m working at the car wash, and I’m tired as can be,” immediately set the stage for a song that celebrates the mundane aspects of life. Croce describes the repetitive nature of his job, the monotony of the tasks, and the frustrations he encounters. The song’s refrain, “Oh, the car wash blues, they’re getting me,” conveys a sense of weariness and a longing for something more.
Throughout the song, Croce uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate the challenges of his job. He references the “greasy floors” and the “smelly rags” he has to deal with. He also expresses a sense of frustration with his coworkers and the customers he serves. Despite the challenges, however, Croce maintains a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life.
“Working at the Car Wash Blues” is more than just a humorous song; it is a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a dead-end job. Croce’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our everyday lives. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences, serving as a reminder that even in the most mundane of circumstances, there is always hope for a brighter future.
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Lyrics
Well, I had just got out from the county prison
Doin’ ninety days for non-support
Tried to find me an executive position
But no matter how smooth I talked
They wouldn’t listen to the fact that I was genius
The man say, “we got all that we can use”
Now I got them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’
Working at the car wash blues
Well, I should be sittin’ in an air conditioned office
In a swivel chair
Talkin’ some trash to the secretaries
Sayin’, “here, now mama, come on over here”
Instead, I’m stuck here rubbin’ these fenders with a rag
And walkin’ home in soggy old shoes
With them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’
Workin’ at the car wash blues
You know a man of my ability
He should be smokin’ on a big cigar
But ’til I get myself straight I guess I’ll just have to wait
In my rubber suit rubbin’ these cars
Well, all I can do is to shake my head
You might not believe that it’s true
For workin’ at this end of Niagara Falls
Is an undiscovered Howard Hughes
So baby, don’t expect to see me
With no double martini in any high brow society news
‘Cause I got them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’
Workin’ at the car wash blues
So baby, don’t expect to see me
With no double martini in any high brow society news
‘Cause I got them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’
Workin’ at the car wash blues
Yeah, I got them steadily depressin’, low down mind messin’
Workin’ at the car wash blues