That’s an interesting choice! “Working Girl” is a deep cut from the latter part of Dolly Parton’s career that speaks directly to her long-standing theme of celebrating and empowering women, especially those in the workforce.
Here is an analysis of the song:
💼 Song Details and Context
| Detail | Information |
| Artist | Dolly Parton |
| Writer | Dolly Parton |
| Album | Treasures (1996) |
| Genre | Country |
| Context | An original track included on an album primarily composed of cover songs (hence the title Treasures). |
📝 The Theme: The Daily Grind and Unsung Heroes
Unlike her early songs that focused on domestic life or traditional female roles, “Working Girl” is an anthem dedicated to the everyday struggles and quiet determination of the modern working woman. It’s a tribute to the unsung heroes who manage demanding careers alongside personal responsibilities.
- The Narrative: The song vividly describes the busy, exhausting routine of a woman balancing work and life. It covers the necessity of the daily commute, the effort of maintaining professionalism (“She puts on her lipstick and she pulls up her hose“), and the fatigue of the endless cycle.
- The Struggle: The lyrics acknowledge the emotional toll and the physical exhaustion: “She’s got a family to see about and bills that she must pay / She’s got a headache and a heartache from the worries of the day.” This grounded honesty resonates with the reality of juggling multiple roles.
- The Empowerment: The chorus, though simple, is a celebration of her resilience. The phrase “working girl” is used not as a diminutive or a term of pity, but as a badge of honor, celebrating her independence and commitment:
“She’s a working girl, and she works all day / And she wouldn’t have it any other way.”
🎶 Musical Style and Delivery
The song is structurally straightforward, designed to serve its lyrical message clearly.
- Arrangement: It features a simple, driving, traditional country rhythm with clear, ringing instrumentation (acoustic guitar, piano, pedal steel). This unflashy arrangement mirrors the honest, unglamorous subject matter of the song.
- Vocal Performance: Dolly Parton delivers the lyrics with clear, empathetic vocals. Her tone is neither mournful nor overly aggressive; instead, it is supportive and proud, sung as a peer celebrating a peer.
⭐ Legacy and Connection to Parton’s Brand
Though not a major single hit, “Working Girl” fits perfectly within Dolly Parton’s established philosophy of female empowerment and self-reliance.
- A Consistent Voice: From “9 to 5” to this track two decades later, Parton has consistently used her platform to validate the efforts of women in the labor force.
- Personal Connection: Parton herself has always been a relentless “working girl,” managing a massive business empire alongside her creative career. The song reflects her deep respect for hard work and self-made success.