George Jones, a name synonymous with heartbreak and honky-tonk, often delved into the depths of emotional turmoil in his music. Yet, amidst the ballads of lost love and shattered dreams, there exists a song that offers a starkly different, yet equally poignant perspective: “Small Time Laboring Man”. Released in 1968, this track stands as a testament to Jones’ ability to transcend the stereotypical country crooner image and explore the lives of the ordinary working class.
Background
Unlike the dramatic narratives that typically characterized Jones’ discography, “Small Time Laboring Man” presents a sobering portrait of the daily grind. This is not a song about love gone wrong or alcohol-soaked nights; it is a raw, unfiltered depiction of the life of a blue-collar worker.
Jones’ vocal performance is equally noteworthy. His voice, weathered by years of emotional turmoil, lends an air of authenticity to the character he portrays. He sings with a world-weariness that suggests a man who has accepted his fate, yet is not without a flicker of hope.
Musically, the song is stripped down to its bare essentials. The arrangement is simple, allowing Jones’ vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation, dominated by steel guitar and acoustic bass, evokes the desolate landscape of the working class.
“Small Time Laboring Man” is more than just a country song; it is a social commentary disguised as a personal narrative. By shining a spotlight on the lives of those often overlooked by popular culture, he created a song that resonates with a universal sense of longing and frustration.
While “Small Time Laboring Man” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Jones’ other hits, its impact on listeners has been profound. The song has become an anthem for the working class, a reminder that their struggles are valid and deserving of recognition.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I’m a small time laboring manFighting against trying as hard as I canI fight for my country with my caloused handsFor I’m a small time laboring man.Twelve long months each year my life stays the sameMaking my honest dollar in the sun, snow and rainNo, you don’t see my family on the starvation planFor I’m a small time laboring man
Harley