11 Fascinating Songs That Reference Various Occupations | Playlist 🎧

“11 Fascinating Songs That Reference Various Occupations” features songs courtesy of Ciara, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Melanie Martinez, and Rick Ross.

Jack White made a great point back in 2005.  What was that point you ask? Well, one-half of the minimalist married duo, The White Stripes, he sung that “The nurse should not be the one who puts salt in your wounds.” True dat Jack! Of course, Charles Cullen wasn’t really The Good Nurse (Charles Graeber)…  Anyways, later, White shifts from the medical field to a completely different occupation – a maid.  Good ole Jack states on the second verse of “The Nurse” (Get Behind Me Satan) that “The maid that you’ve hired could never conspire to kill.” Whether that’s true or not is beside the point. What’s not beside the point is the fact that there have been many songs written about jobs – various occupations – over the years. 

11 FASCINATING SONGS THAT REFERENCE VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS is all about jobs… well, to a certain extent.  Honestly, all 11 songs that grace this particular playlist take some serious liberties when it comes to the particular job referenced – gotta feel a bit concerned with teachers especially! Anyways, 11 FASCINATING SONGS THAT REFERENCE VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS features songs courtesy of Ciara (“Like a Surgeon”), Coldplay (“The Scientist”), Lana Del Rey (“Bartender”), Melanie Martinez (“The Principal” and “Nurse’s Office”), and Rick Ross (“Ghostwriter”) among others.  Without further ado, let’s explore these occupation songs, shall we!

1. Lana Del Rey, “Bartender”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Interscope • 2019

Occupation: Bartender

“Bar-t-t-tender, hold me all night / Bar-t-t-tender, keep love alive / Bar-t-t-tender…” Grammy-nominated alternative pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey delivered arguably her best album to date with the explicitly titled, sixth studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!. Some people adore Lana, while others are mixed.  She’s a truly polarizing musician, yet, possesses quite the distinct, beautiful musical instrument.  Arguably, she’s only improved over the years.  She gives us a pretty awesome occupation-related song with “Bartender.”

Sure “Bartender” may not be the crème de la crème of NFR! (compared to the likes of “The Greatest”), but it’s quite alluring in its own right.  Something quite telling is how Del Rey refers to her own life (seemingly), whether it’s escaping fame (“Photo-free exits from baby’s bedside / ‘Cause they don’t yet know what care I drive”), avoiding alcohol (“But that Cherry Coke your serve is fine”), and a relationship with an unnamed bartender (“And our love’s sweet enough on the vine / Bartender”). You’ve gotta love the special emphasis that she puts on the word ‘bartender’ as well as she sings.

2. Melanie Martinez, “The Principal”

K-12 • Atlantic • 2019

Occupation: Principal

Keeping it 100, the NBC hit vocal competition, The Voice, hasn’t exactly catapulted many of its alumni into big-time success in the music business.  That said, arguably its most unique contestant, season three’s Melanie Martinez, has achieved her fair share of success. Quite a quirky, alternative individual, it paid dividends on her 2015 major label debut, Cry Baby. Four years later, she returned with another distinct, conceptual affair with her ‘school-centric’ sophomore album, K-12.  Cry Baby, the central character on Cry Baby, returned on K-12, which is notably accompanied by a 90+ minute film.  I enjoyed K-12 so much that I included two occupation-related songs, the first of which is “The Principal.”

“The Principal,” the third track from K-12, is arguably the first truly transcendent number.  Melanie Martinez certainly doesn’t paint a favorable picture of the principal, yet she’s actually thinking bigger than the administrator of the school she sings about.  Likely, the administrator who she’s pointing the finger at is the 45^th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The chorus definitely suggests Martinez is tackling societal problems affecting children, including mental health, violence, drugs, cyberbullying, and politicians, including the ‘Chief’ amongst them, who fail to address such issues.  “Oh, where’s the principal?”

3. Melanie Martinez, “Nurse’s Office”

K-12 • Atlantic • 2019

Occupation: Nurse

As aforementioned, following a four-year hiatus, The Voice alum Melanie Martinez returned with her sophomore album, K-12, a thoughtful, well-rounded, conceptual affair. In case you just happened to miss the blurb above regarding “The Principal” (shame on you if that’s the case), the concept of K-12 is school-related. Cry Baby returns from Martinez’s debut album to K-12.  The second song to grace this list from the album comes courtesy of “Nurse’s Office.”

“Nurse’s Office” brings back some of the carnival-like sounds that characterized “Carousel” from Cry Baby.  “Nurse’s Office” finds Martinez portraying herself as being ill.  She doesn’t like ‘school,’ hence why she asserts on the chorus, “Take me home / Give me that pink slip of permission.” Normally, a pink slip of any kind has a negative connotation but in this particular case, it’s a pro for Cry Baby – she doesn’t want to be there.  Obviously, the school nurse, which can be quite the busy occupation, gives the recommendation if the child is ill or not and should be sent home, etc.  The occupation itself is not the focal point of this K-12 cut, but it’s pretty cool regardless.

4. Years & Years, “Preacher”

Palo Santo • Polydor • 2018

Occupation: Preacher

“But you’re hiding, yeah, you’re hiding / You should come on out.” British synth-pop band Years & Years returned in 2018 with a compelling sophomore album, Palo Santo. Palo Santo masterfully incorporated social issues, sexuality, and spirituality. Among many highlights from the album is “Preacher,” which stands out thanks to the pronounced nature of those social, sexual, and spiritual themes.

Frontman Olly Alexander urges his love interest to live his truth as opposed to lying about his sexuality. On the chorus, he sings:

“He’s a preacher, but he’s preaching a lie
… I’m a creature with a fever so high
… And my temptation, you can’t escape it
God, baby, take me tonight.”

Originally appearing on the playlist 11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism, it’s safe to say this brilliant LGBTQ+ gem is a song that certainly wouldn’t fly in church.  Don’t replace the hymns with this one folks haha.

5. YUNGBLUD, “Doctor, Doctor”

21^st Century Liability • Geffen • 2018

Occupation: Doctor

“Fuck / I just want to be stupid.” Okay YUNGBLUD – okay.  Honestly, there’s nothing stupid about Dominic Harrison’s music, as the entirety of his 2018 album 21^st Century Liability is quite intriguing. The standout “Doctor Doctor” addresses the medical aspects of the young man’s perceived craziness.  Ultimately, this ‘craziness’ seems driven more by youthful rebellion and progressiveness than legitimate mental illness.

“Doctor, doctor, give me a lobotomy,” YUNGBLUD sings, adding, “So I don’t see / What is in front of me.”  He goes on to endearingly sing about shots and blood clots (“Give me that one shot, two shot, blood clot”), ultimately stating that he’ll continue to be stupid.

“Fuck! I just want to be stupid
I don’t wanna die
I don’t wanna cry
I just wanna be
Out of my mind
I don’t wanna die
I don’t wanna cry
I just wanna be
I just want to be stupid.”

The colorful, hella energetic “Doctor, Doctor” previously appeared on the playlist Fill Your Prescription with These 11 Medicine Songs.

6. Rick Ross, “Ghostwriter”

Black Market • Epic • 2015

Occupation: Songwriter

“Ghost writer, blunt lighter / Write a rapper’s song then go buy a home / Lyrics they recite these are words I own / Every album that I made I did it on my own.” The best song from Rick Ross’ 2015 studio album, Black Market is “Ghostwriter,” hands down.  From the start, Ross is on autopilot, killing the brassy backdrop, anchored by a mean, trap beat. Throughout the course of the record, Ross touts his songwriting ability, making it clear to the world he writes his own rhymes as well as rhymes for other rappers. Seven words: “I be so lonely at the top.”

“Charging for the verses, I’ll throw in the chorus
Slip-N-Slide fucked me, friendship was aborted
Publishing was something I would have to earn back
So, I wrote so many songs I would deserve that.”

The Slip-N-Slide reference is particularly brilliant, with something ‘pleasing’ turning into a nightmare, if you catch my drift.  Anyways, bringing some context to ghostwriting, often, it’s a polarizing issue in rap (though prevalent according to Ross), even though other genres are filled with songs that have multiple songwriters that are actually credited. “Ghostwriter” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs About All About Ghosts…Sort Of.

7. Nick Jonas, “Teacher”

Nick Jonas X2 • Island • 2015

Occupation: Teacher

It’s no secret that the youngest of the Jonas Brothers (the group, not the family), Nick Jonas, became quite the sex symbol beginning in 2014.  Not that the younger Jonas wasn’t already appealing to the eyes, but let’s say when his solo career picked up, he ‘put in serious work’ on his bod.  Enough objectification already about the stud – let’s focus on his contribution to this occupation-driven list, “Teacher.”

“Teacher” appeared on Jonas’ second solo album (not including Who I Am with The Administration), Nick Jonas, released in 2014.  Notably, the effort was reissued, with additional bops in 2015 as Nick Jonas X2.  On “Teacher,” Jonas embraces being the “one who teaches.” What grades does Nick Jonas instruct – is he an elementary, middle, or high school educator or perhaps exceptional child education or special area, such as music?  Well, the answer is that Nick teaches adults, specifically females like the one in this song whom he wishes to bed.

“Why you wear that dress, and my heart can’t take it anymore?
Why you act like this, it’s like your momma never told you how to love
So, let me teach ya.”

Yeah, this would NOT be ideal for the classroom.  And with a previously appearance on the playlist, 11 Awesome or Not-So-Awesome Songs About Teachers, it’s safe to say this is a ‘not-so-awesome’ song regarding teachers because it crosses a line, LOL.

8. Ciara, “Like a Surgeon”

Fantasy Ride • RCA • 2009

Occupation: Surgeon

By the time Fantasy Ride arrived in 2009, the wane of Ciara began for whatever reason.  Honestly, Ciara just never quite recovered after this point, with moderate successes at best. Goodies (2004) and The Evolution (2006) were huge, while nothing else quite ascended to those heights commercially.  Specifically, Fantasy Ride was best known for Ciara’s Grammy-nominated pop collaboration with Justin Timberlake, “Love Sex Magic.” Still, this underrated LP had some other gems, including the song at hand, “Like a Surgeon.”

“When it comes to love I’m like a surgeon / I’m a true tactician / I’ma make your body better when we get in the right position / I’m a make your body jump / Every time my body pumps…” Wow, Ciara… wow!  “Like a Surgeon” was notably co-written by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Terius “The-Dream” Nash. Furthermore, the two musical standouts also co-produced this slow, incredibly sleek record alongside Kuk Harrell. How much does “Like a Surgeon” really have to do with actual surgery? Little to nothing beyond some metaphors, as you can tell from the aforementioned lyrical excerpt from the chorus. Ciara continues on the chorus, singing sensually:

“Until your reflexes leave you weak, my love’s like anesthesia
I’ll rock you fast to sleep
Oh yes, I’m highly qualified
Lay your head back on that pillow and relax your mind.”

What is safe to say about “Like a Surgeon” is there are few that wouldn’t want to be in the care of Ciara, believe that, even if the doctor/patient relationship is, um, kinky, suspect… yeah. 

9. Coldplay, “The Scientist”

A Rush of Blood to the Head • Parlophone • 2002

Occupation: Scientist

“Come up to meet you, tell you I’m sorry / You don’t know how lovely you are / I had to find you, tell you I need you / Tell you I set you apart.” Coldplay was easily one of the biggest bands in the 00s, delivering jam-packed albums with Parachutes (2001), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005), and Viva La Vida (2008).  That’s not to say that albums post-Viva La Vida haven’t had their virtues, but the 00s marked the very best of the best for Chris Martin and company.  Among that greatness, one of the band’s most memorable records not named “Clocks” also appeared on A Rush of Blood to the Head, “The Scientist.”

Chris Martin does reference science on “The Scientist,” even if it isn’t truly about the occupation or science.  “I was just guessing at numbers and figures,” he sings on the second verse, continuing, “Pulling the puzzles apart / Questions of science, science and progress / Do not speak as loud as my heart.”  If there was any doubt that “The Scientist” is about matters of the heart, the chorus makes it pretty clear on this gorgeous ballad:

“Nobody said it was easy
Oh, it’s such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I’m going back to the start.”

An amazing, but incredibly sad music video takes things a step further, with the narrative/video told/filmed in reverse.  From the music video perspective, a fatal car accident is the reason for the ended relationship, as Martin’s girlfriend/wife dies as a result, revealed towards the end of the video, even as Martin is visibly broken from the onset. Notably, Corinne Bailey Rae delivered a lovely cover “The Scientist” on the motion picture soundtrack for Fifty Shades Darker, released in 2017.  Bailey Rae’s cover may not supplant the original – a tall task – but certainly suits her unique, soft, beautiful voice.

10. Barry White, “Practice What You Preach”

The Icon is Love • A&M • 1994

Occupation: Preacher

The late, great Barry White (1944 – 2003) oozed with soul, sigh. With so many classics under his belt (“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything,” and “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me”), it’s amazing he landed the rare, late career hit, “Practice What You Preach.” White was 50 years old when The Icon is Love, the album housing the ‘preaching,’ was released in 1994. He would pass away at the age of 58 nine years later (2003).

“I’ve had, my share of love / And some say I’m damn good / But if you think, you can turn me out / Baby I wish that you would.” Obviously, “Practice What You Preach” isn’t about moral or spiritual values, but about making love. We don’t associate preachers with sex, so, “Practice What You Preach” obviously isn’t an accurate representation of the occupation. Many clergy would blush listening to this grown-folks R&B record… well, maybe… ha ha.

“Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well here I am baby, practice what you preach.” 

“Practice What You Preach” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism.

11. Van Halen, “Hot for Teacher”

1984 • Warner Bros. • 1984

Occupation: Teacher

“I think of all the education that I missed,” David Lee Roth sings, “But then my homework was never quite like this / Got it bad, got it bad, got it bad / I’m hot for teacher.” Well, at least in this case, it’s not the teacher desiring or attempting to bed the student.  The Van Halen classic, “Hot for Teacher” (1984), is one hearty helping of ‘teacher lust’ in the hands of a young man. It does indeed happen. The problems come if lines get crossed, to be fair.

“Maybe I should go to Hell, but I’m doin’ well / And teacher needs to see me after school.” Hmm… I’m skeptical about the extracurriculars here.  Piggybacking on an earlier point, rightfully, we hold teachers to a higher standard – we entrust them with our children during the day. We expect them to do the right thing. Hopefully, being the responsible, entrusted adults that they are, teachers avoid assigning the homework or extracurricular [sexual] innuendo which Roth speaks of. “Hot for Teacher” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome or Not-So-Awesome Songs About Teachers.

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