13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs

Reading Time: 17 min read

13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs features songs by Donna Summer, Ice Nine Kills, Joe Jonas, LaShun Pace, Loverboy, and Shirley Caesar.

Are you ready to work, or perhaps, werk 💅 🤭? With 13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs, your boi, The Musical Hype, is putting in work compiling anotha list of work songs. The keyword is W-O-R-K in some form or fashion. Given that this is mo’, 13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs serves as a sequel to 13 Incredibly Hard-Working Songs, published back in 2021. Since it’s been a while, it’s high time we all got back to… wait for it… WORK! 13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs features songs by Donna Summer, Ice Nine Kills, Joe Jonas, LaShun Pace, Loverboy, and Shirley Caesar. So, get your outfit ready because, biotch, it’s time to go to werk!

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1. Morgan Wallen, “Working Man’s Song”	2. LaShun Pace, “All Things Working”	3. Joe Jonas, “Work It Out”	4. Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus, “Doctor (Work It Out)”
5. Donna Summer, “She Works Hard For The Money”	6. RUSS & 6LACK, “Workin On Me”	7. Dasha, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”	8. The Isley Brothers, “Work To Do”
9. MAX, “Working For The Weekend” (Ft. bbno$)	10. Ice Nine Kills, “A Work of Art” (Ft. SHAVO)	11. Loverboy, “Working For the Weekend”	12. Shirley Caesar, “He’s Working It Out For You”	13. The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir, “He’s Working It Out”

1. Morgan Wallen, “Working Man’s Song”

I’m The Problem » Big Loud / Mercury » 2025

“I punch the clock, wanna punch a ticket to New York, and punch the boss / But they don’t pay enough for me to cover that cost.”

If you haven’t noticed, Grammy-nominated country musician Morgan Wallen tends to release lengthy albums. His 2025 album, I’m The Problem, is no exception. It contains 37 songs and runs nearly two hours long. Given the amount of material, Wallen can’t be accused of not working, even if his albums are intentionally overstuffed like many albums in the age of streaming. His “Working Man’s Song” arrives late in I’m The Problem: track 31. Wallen penned “Working Man’s Song” with Charlie Handsome, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, and Rocky Block. Joey Moi produced it.

“Working Man’s Song” fits Wallen. It features a countrified backdrop, with its ripe guitars helping to fuel the fire. Later in the song, there is a sweet electric guitar solo 🎸. Rock on… in the most country way possible. Wallen delivers assertive and expressive lead vocals, filled with grit and twang. The melodies he sings are rhythmic. “Red, blue, right, left, they still workin’ us to death,” Morgan sings in the second verse, and adds, “And whatever’s left over at the end’s to the IRS.” Woo! The chorus is the section to beat:

“This tryin’ to make a livin’ isn’t supposed to feel like dyin’

Lookin’ for my golden ticket, can’t find no silver linin’

And these days, nine-to-five feels more like twenty-five to life, and

Tryin’ to make a livin’ isn’t supposed to feel like dyin’.”

“Working Man’s Song” is a pleasant, well-rounded four-and-a-quarter-minute song. It is not game-changing, nor necessarily the top tier of songs from I’m The Problem (those honors belong to the singles), but respectable and, dare I say, hardworking!

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2. LaShun Pace, “All Things Working”

Complete » Motown Gospel » 2007

“All things work together / For the good of them who love the Lord / All things work together / According to his purpose.”

Amen, amen, amen! The choir does a marvelous job delivering this thoughtful, truthful lyric on “All Things Working”, the opening track from Complete. They set up the late 😭, great LaShun Pace (1961 – 2022) to shine on the lead with her anointed, powerful pipes. Pace responds:

“No matter what you are going through

God is going to see you through

If you love the Lord, and trust in him

He’ll work it out for you.”

Say that, say that! The lyrics are simple but encouraging, spirited, and uplifting. Do you know what else is uplifting and spiritually refreshing? The music! Lord have mercy does the music rock in the most gospel way possible 🤘🙌. It’s clear that Pace’s COGIC roots are firmly in play with the quick tempo, the synchronized claps, and some electrifying riffs from the instrumentalist. That keyboardist – she’s on fire! The entire song is fire, led by LaShun giving all the glory to God! May this anointed Pace sister rest in peace.

Appears in:

LaShun Pace, All Things Working: Sunday Refresh No. 13 (2022)

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3. Joe Jonas, “Work It Out”

Music For People Who Believe in Love » Republic » 2025

“Sometimes I wish I had powers to be invisible.”

Doesn’t everybody? “Work It Out” marked the first single by Joe Jonas since 2022. It is far more momentous. Why? It is the promo single from his delayed sophomore album, Music For People Who Believe in Love. Jonas penned the single alongside Jason Evigan, Bianca Atterberry, Kane Ritchotte, and Victoria Evigan. Jason Evigan and Kane Ritchotte produced. There is no shortage of intriguing lyrics. After wishing for invisibility, Joe asserts, “Even baddies get saddies, and that’s the hardest truth / Call your mommy and daddy, they don’t know what to do.” In the second verse, he owns up to the fact, “Okay, maybe I’m a little dramatic / Okay, maybe I’m a little manic / Some days, I wanna float away / Sometimes, I need remindin’.” The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus. Stop whining, “Brush your shoulders off, life’s gonna work it out.” Word. Jonas delivers energetic vocals, including showing off some sweet falsetto. The instrumental is a blend of driving pop, rock, and a dash of synth. The brief but potent “Work It Out” is unique – something Joe needed to release as a solo artist. Enjoyable overall, it’s a song that grows on you with successive listens.

Appears in:

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4. Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus, “Doctor (Work It Out)”

“Doctor (Work It Out)” » Columbia » 2024

When Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus join forces, plenty of magic is unleashed. These Grammy-winning standouts bring the heat on “Doctor (Work It Out)”. This three-minute and change joint was penned by Williams, Cyrus, and Michael Pollack. Pharrell hands the work behind the boards, kicking things off with his signature, four count. From there, over a minimal but potent instrumental, following the tone-setting, introductory bar, Miley gets to work! “I could be your doctor / And I could be your nurse / I think I see the problem / It’s only gon’ get worse,” Cyrus sings, in all her ‘medical’ glory in the tuneful chorus. She continues, “A midnight medication / Just show me where it hurts / I need to rock you, baby / Before your body bursts.” Ooh-wee! In the post-chorus, for good measure, she asserts, “Let lil mama work you out.” Gah-day-um! The record only features a sole verse, but Miley makes it worthwhile whenever and whatever she sings. Her lead vocals are expressive and playful, while the background vocals add to the fun and allure with their tongue-in-cheek vibes. The songwriting isn’t deep, nor is it intended to be – “Are you on the fence? / Still playing on the side / Are you on the fence? / Don’t waste my damn time” – but ultimately, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is entertaining… also, groovy.

Appears in:

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5. Donna Summer, “She Works Hard For The Money”

She Works Hard For The Money » The Island Def Jam Music Group » 1983

“She works hard for the money / So hard for it, honey / She works hard for the money / So you better treat her right.”

Donna Summer was the undisputed Queen of Disco, period. Notably, the late musical icon had 14 top 10 hits. However, not all of her top 10s were from the disco era. “She Works Hard For The Money” came after disco died. The five-minute-plus song is the opening track from her 1983, gold-certified album, She Works Hard For The Money. “She Works Hard For The Money” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Summer and Michael Omartian, who also produced it.

“She Works Hard For The Money” is synth-heavy, with drum programming, quintessential 1980s sounds, and vibes. Besides the synthesizer/keyboard work, it incorporates guitar and horns, including guitar (Marty Walsh) and saxophone (Gary Herbig) solos. The riffs are sickening. Donna Summer delivers assertive lead vocals. She is supported by superb backing vocals. The melodies are tuneful in the verses and the unforgettable chorus. “Onetta there in the corner stands / And wonders where she is,” Summer sings in the first verse, adding, “And she’s waiting for the bell / And she’s looking real pretty / Just waitin’ for her clientele.” Onetta was real – a bathroom attendant Summer encountered –exhausted from working two jobs to make ends meet. In the second verse, Summer continues narrativizing a blue-collar working woman: “It’s a sacrifice, working day to day / For little money, just tips for pay / But it’s worth it all / To hear them say that they care.” The Grammy-nominated (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female) “She Works Hard For The Money” is a gem not only because of the great instrumental backdrop and lead vocals but also because of the message that speaks to so many, hardworking women.

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6. Russ & 6LACK, “Workin On Me”

“Workin On Me” » DIEMON / LVRN / Interscope » 2024

“Would you stay by my side / When I’m working on me? Hey,”

Russ asks at the beginning of “Workin On Me”. He continues to sing in the chorus, “I understand it’s hard when none of this is your fault / But I’m hoping you don’t leave.” Give the DIY rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer credit for his honesty. He does enlist Grammy-nominated rapper/singer 6LACK for the assist. “Workin On Me” is a lengthy song, running five minutes. One of the reasons for the duration is its slow tempo. Russ, who produced it, as usual, puts in work with the guitar accompaniment and strong, anchoring drum programming. The melodies are tuneful throughout, most notably the chorus and post-chorus: “All I can say, I’m committed to change / Things I learned growing up, but you don’t have to wait.”

Russ delivers smooth and sincere vocals. He dominates nearly the first three minutes of “Workin On Me” performing the chorus, post-chorus, first verse, chorus, and post-chorus once more. In the first verse, he speaks of his issues and shortcomings: “Boo-hoo, childhood trauma / Fucked-up dad and a fucked-up mama / Taught me that love means drama / Hostility was the problem solver.” Given his negative influences, it causes him to be a certain way, hence, “Course, my girl is on the fence.” 6LACK performs the second verse, embracing a more rap-oriented vibe than R&B. He matches Russ’ flaws, acknowledging that she “Put up with my shit, huh / Fixed to a real misfit, huh / You been too legit through the times I had you tired and sick / When we really coulda split.” 6LACK is trying to do better and make it up to her for the things that have happened and that he’s done in the past. Regrettably, “I treated the love like a per diem / I bottled a lot of my pain.” Russ sings us out with the chorus and post-chorus, with a minor contribution from 6LACK. Although long, “Workin On Me” is an honest, reflective, and well-rounded song.

Appears in:

Russ & 6LACK: Dazzling Duets No. 19 (2025)

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7. Dasha, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”

What Happens Now? » Warner Records Inc. / VERSION III » 2024

“We had a plan, move out of this town, baby / West to the sand, it’s all we talked about lately.”

You know what they say, Dasha: The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. In the case of “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”, the man seems to be the clear culprit. She adds in the first verse of the country-pop fourth track from What Happens Now?, “Got a hunch down in my gut and snuck around the back / Empty cans and I’ll be damned, your shit was never packed.” Oh, snap! Better yet, oh, shit! Dasha penned “Austin” with Adam Wendler, Chey Rose, and producer Travis Heidelman.

Among the most distinct features of “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” is the boot-stomping groove. Yee haw, cowgirl! Beyond those boots, there is superb guitar accompaniment and riffs. While “Austin” is pop enough, it can’t deny its countrified sound and vibes. Dasha delivers strong and expressive vocals. She brings plenty of attitude to the track. “Hell of a bluff, you had me believin’ / How many months did you plan on leavin’?” she asks this silly boy. There are tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics in the verses and most of all, the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Did your boots stop workin’? Did your truck break down (Truck break down)

Did you burn through money? Did your ex find out (Ex find out)

Where there’s a will, then, there’s a way, and I’m damn sure you lost it

Didn’t even say goodbye, just wish I knew what caused it

…In forty years, you’ll still be here, drunk, washed up in Austin.”

D-d-damn! “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” is one hell of an infectious, country-pop bop, PERIOD! Unsurprisingly, it earned her a top 20 hit (number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100) and a platinum plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Appears in:

Dasha, Austin (Boots Stop Workin’): Bangerz N Bopz No. 88 (2025)

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8. The Isley Brothers, “Work To Do”

Brother, Brother, Brother » Sony Music Entertainment » 1972

“Oh, I-I got work to do (I got work to do) / I got work, baby! (I got work to do).”

The Isley Brothers have hit after hit after hit. They are one of the most successful funk/soul groups ever. “Work To Do” marks another triumphant moment for the collective. It is the fifth track from their 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother. Ronald Isley (b. 1941), Rudolph Isley (1939 – 2023), and O’Kelly Isley (1937 – 1986) wrote and produced it. Although it performed better on the soul charts, “Work To Do” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes this ‘employment’ song a bop? It begins with a sweet, percussion-heavy groove, thanks to the drumming of George Moreland and the conga playing of Karl Potter. Chris Jasper (1951 – 2025) excels on the keys, a key cog in the success of the musical backdrop. Marvin Isley (1953 – 2010) lays down the big, robust bass line. Meanwhile, Ron Isley ‘eats up’ the lead vocals. He sounds assertive and expressive, giving his all. Those pipes ooze with soul. “I’m taking care of business, woman, can’t you see / I gotta make it for you, and I’ve gotta make it for me,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Well, I’d like to spend some more time / But I got so many things to do.” In the second, he asserts, he mentions the necessity for money, advising her, “You might as well get used to / Me coming home a little late.” As for brothers Rudolph and O’Kelly, they back up Ron superbly in the infectious chorus excerpted above. Perhaps Ron does have ample “Work To Do”, but regarding this underrated Isley Brothers classic, I have ‘no notes’ – its excellence speaks for itself!

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9. MAX, “Working for the Weekend” (Ft. bbno$)

Colour Vision (Deluxe) » Colour Vision / Sony » 2020′

According to MAX (Max Schneider): “I’ve been workin’ for the weekend / But the weekend never came / Will you pat my back tomorrow / If I break my back today.” Well, it’s a bummer the weekend didn’t come, but hey, “Working for the Weekend” sounds carefree and symbolic of the weekend. On the second track from his 2020 album, Colour Vision, he is assisted by the “it boy” (“Bitch, I’m him”) himself, bbno$ (Alexander Gumuchian). The songwriting is straightforward – no poetic tour de force here. That said, it doesn’t need to be a lyrical tour de force as the lyrics are fun, lighthearted, and tongue-in-cheek. MAX sounds like a boss. “Yeah, it’s 7 am and I can’t seem to keep my eyes shut,” he sings, and continues, “Even if I get up, even if I get beat down.” Oh, snap! He follows up with the pre-chorus, closing with the statement, “I guess I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Word. Bbno$ provides a lift in the second verse. “‘Cause I’m a work-work-work-work-workaholic / And a guap-guap-guap-guap-guapaholic (True),” he raps, and adds, “They say I’ve got a problem, I believe in money trees / I’ve been workin’ on the weekend to cop a spot in Belize, yeah.” Woo! The centerpiece is the hard-working chorus, where MAX goes on to assert:

“I’ve been goin’ off the deep end

But my sanity’s at stake

Will you pat my back tomorrow

If I break my back today?”

Throw in the marvelous production of our favorite indie-pop collective, AJR, specifically Ryan Met, and “Working for the Weekend” is nothing short of a working bop!

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10. Ice Nine Kills, “A Work of Art” (Ft. SHAVO)

“A Work of Art” » Fearless » 2024

“The art of dying brings me to life.”

Oh, snap, Spencer Charnas. The Ice Nine Kills frontman continues singing in the intro and eventual chorus of “A Work of Art”, “Death by design / Tongue tied and you’re terrified.” The chorus is incredibly tuneful, despite the dark vibes. We would expect no less from the horror-loving, metal band. “A Work of Art” is based on the 2024 Christmas slasher film, Terrifier 3. Notably, it features SHAVO (Shavo Odadjian), the bassist of System of a Down. Charnas, Drew Fulk, Steve Sopchak, Joe Occhiuti, and Paul Wiley penned “A Work of Art.” Morgoth Beatz and Drew Fulk produced it.

“A Work of Art” features a colorful, dark, and damning instrumental. The distorted, jagged guitars, accentuating keyboards, and pummeling drums catch the ears. The lyrics are morbid. “No one makes it out alive / Split the canvas open wide,” Charnas sings in the first verse, and continues, “Don’t you dare say Art is dead / Miles County’s painted red.” In the pre-chorus, there is “Celebrating, mutilating / Born from suffering.” D-d-damn! Fittingly, there is an interlude regarding the deadly Miles County Clown, who is wanted by the police. Dun, dun, dun! Leah Voysey performs the bridge, memorably singing, “Beauty’s in the eye of the beheader for tonight / The devil’s in the details and he’s painted white.” Oh, snap! There is a notable breakdown section that features Charnas, Odadjian, and others, featuring lyrics like “Acts of abstract disfigurement / Feast your eyes on it / An easel of evil, a frame to fill / Hang, hack, slash, kill.” Beyond the lyrics, the music cues and sounds during this section are wild, which is part of the allure and charm. Ultimately, “A Work of Art” is, indeed, a work of art – a dark, disturbing one, of course! Per usual, Ice Nine Kills puts their foot into this one.

Appears in:

Ice Nine Kills, A Work of Art: Wacky Wednesday No. 44 (2025)

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11. Loverboy, “Working For the Weekend”

Get Lucky » Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. » 1981

In case you weren’t aware, “Everyone’s watchin’ to see what you will do / Everyone’s lookin’ at you.” Woo! Cue up the 👀 emoji, Mike Reno (b. 1955)! No, emojis didn’t exist then, but if they did, that would probably be an ideal choice! The everyone-led lyrics don’t stop in the first verse of “Working For the Weekend”, a hit for the Canadian rock band Loverboy. Reno, the talented lead singer, adds in the second verse, “Everyone’s lookin’ to see if it was you / Everyone wants you to come through / Everyone’s hopin’ it’ll all work out / Everyone’s waitin’, they’re holdin’ out.” Noted, Mike! “Workin’ for the Weekend” is the opener from the band’s 1981 multi-platinum album, Get Lucky. Reno penned the song with Matt Frenette and Paul Dean. Dean and the late Bruce Fairbairn (1949 – 1999) produced it. Notably, “Weekend” peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Working For The Weekend” features a dynamic musical accompaniment comprised of colorful keys, souped-up guitars, driving bass, and hard-hitting drums. The instrumental riffs are nothing short of electrifying. Mike Reno is on autopilot, impressing with his assertive and exuberant lead vocals. Not only are the verses (excerpted earlier) memorable, so are the melodies. Notably, during the second verse, Reno delivers an even more high-flying performance – some insane high notes! Beyond the verses, the chorus and post-chorus are S-W-E-E-T. In the song’s centerpiece, Loverboy shifts from everyone to everybody:

“Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend

Everybody wants a new romance

…Everybody’s goin’ off the deep end

Everybody needs a second chance.”

By the end, the post-chorus is repeated three times. “You want a piece of my heart? / You better start from the start,” Reno sings, and continues, “You wanna be in the show? / Come on, baby, let’s go.” “Working For the Weekend” is a surefire, unforgettable ‘80s classic. More than three decades later, it still rocks!

Appears in:

Loverboy, Working For the Weekend: Throwback Vibez No. 151 (2025)

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12. Shirley Caesar, “He’s Working It Out For You”

He’s Working It Out For You » Word Entertainment LLC » 1991

“Though the pressures of life seems to weigh you down / And you don’t know which way to turn,”

Shirley Caesar (1938 – ) sings, “God is concerned and He’s working it out for you.” Amen! Now that is a good word, pastor! The legendary gospel musician provides surefire encouragement on “He’s Working It Out For You”, the opener from her 1991 album, He’s Working It Out For You. Initially, Caesar is accompanied by piano. Backed by a fabulous gospel harmonic progression, she embraces faith despite adversity. Her vocals are authentic, soulful, and spirited. Every word the pastor sings, you buy.

In the second verse, accompanied by fuller instrumentation (piano, organ, bass, drums, etc.), Caesar sings, “Now you ask yourself, is there a word from the Lord / You need a blessing, and you need it right away / God is concerned, and He’s working it out for you.” In the third, her voice grows more spirited, setting the tone for God’s wonder-working power. Despite the lack of peace at home or work, bills, and failing health, the message remains consistent: God’s working it out. Before the three-minute mark, the choir joins in, amplifying the spirit in the chorus:

“He’s working it out

He’s working it out for you

God cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

I’m so glad to know He cares

And He’s working it out for you.”

Meanwhile, Caesar ad-libs, riffing at her finest. “He’s Working It Out For You” was released in the 1990s, yet its powerful message continues to resonate in this moving gospel gem.

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13. The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir, “He’s Working It Out”

He’s Working It Out » Malaco » 1975

“Right now, God is / Working it Out (Working it out), working it out (Working it out).”

Amen! Hallelujah! That is good news! Who inspires us on “He’s Working It Out”? The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir (📍Chicago, IL), directed by pastor and founder Rev. Isaac Whittmon. Joining forces with this anointed choir and director is the legendary ‘king of gospel music,’ James Cleveland (1931 – 1990). The result is a stirring, titular opening track from the choir’s 1975 album. Whittmon also penned it. “He’s Working It Out” is old-school, traditional black gospel at its best. The rhythm section – piano, organ, bass, and drums – provides a solid anchor. Cleveland shines (one of two lead vocalists) with his signature gravelly tone. There is a brilliant call-and-response between duetting, harmonized lead vocals, and The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir. Whereas Mr. Cleveland’s voice is more of a gravelly, gritty timbre, the other lead has a more soaring instrument that elevates the spirit higher and higher. The choir has two notable vamped moments. The first is on “He’s working it out,” where the vocals are harmonized. During this repeated section, the two leads riff off one another, which is glorious. The second vamp that catches the ears is on the timely “Right Now.” God is not only working it out, but He is doing so right now. When you examine the James Cleveland catalog, there are many more well-known songs than “He’s Working It Out”. That said, this six-and-a-quarter-minute gem deserves far more love. The message and the music are uplifting to the nth degree!

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13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Loud, Colour Vision, Columbia, DIEMON, Fearless, Interscope, LVRN, Malaco, Mercury, Motown Gospel, Republic, Sony, Sony Music Entertainment, The Island Def Jam Music Group, VERSION III, Warner Records Inc., Word Entertainment LLC; cottonbro studio, Domagoj Bregant, RDNE Stock project, Thirdman, Yan Krukau from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

13 Mo’ Incredibly Hard-Working Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025