Taking Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) is one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1970s. Released in 1973 on their album Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, the song quickly became a staple in rock music, celebrated for its infectious energy, catchy riffs, and relatable lyrics. While it may seem like a straightforward rock song about working life, “Taking Care of Business” offers a deeper commentary on the pursuit of success, the balance between work and play, and the joys of independence. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics, the meaning behind the song, and its enduring legacy.
The Genesis of “Taking Care of Business”
Before diving into the lyrics, it’s important to understand the song’s background. Randy Bachman, the lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of BTO, originally wrote the song with a different title, “White Collar Worker,” and envisioned it as a satire about the mundane nature of 9-to-5 jobs. The title and concept evolved during a live performance when Bachman improvised the phrase “taking care of business,” which perfectly encapsulated the song’s theme of self-sufficiency and doing things on your own terms.
“Taking Care of Business” wasn’t initially intended to be the standout hit it became, but the audience’s enthusiastic response during that live performance convinced the band to record it. The rest, as they say, is history.
A Breakdown of the Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are deceptively simple, yet they resonate with a universal theme: work. But not just any work—the kind of work that you can take pride in, where you’re calling the shots, and making things happen on your own terms.
First Verse:
You get up every morning
From your alarm clock’s warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
These opening lines paint a vivid picture of the daily grind that many people experience. The routine of waking up to an alarm clock, catching a train or bus, and heading to a 9-to-5 job in the city is a familiar scenario for millions of workers. It’s a reflection of the monotonous, repetitive nature of working life.
There’s a whistle up above
And people pushing, people shoving
And the girls who try to look pretty
This line captures the hustle and bustle of commuting, where workers are often packed into crowded spaces, struggling to make their way through the throngs of people. The mention of “girls who try to look pretty” hints at the pressure to present oneself in a certain way in the corporate world, adding a subtle critique of societal expectations.
And if your train’s on time
You can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
Here, the song begins to critique the traditional work structure. The phrase “slaving job” is particularly significant, as it emphasizes how many people feel like they’re working for someone else’s gain rather than their own fulfillment. The idea of simply “getting your pay” without any real sense of purpose or satisfaction reflects the disconnect between workers and their jobs.
Chorus:
And if you’re taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime, work out!
The chorus is where the song takes a turn from the mundane to the celebratory. “Taking care of business” is more than just a statement about work—it’s a declaration of independence. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the pride and satisfaction that comes from being in control of your own destiny. The line “it’s all mine” reinforces the idea that true success comes from doing things your way and not being beholden to someone else’s schedule or expectations.
The mention of “working overtime” is interesting because, while it implies hard work, the tone of the song remains upbeat and triumphant. It suggests that working hard isn’t a burden when you’re doing it for yourself, and it’s an integral part of the path to success.
Second Verse:
If it were easy as fishin’
You could be a musician
If you could make sounds loud or mellow
This verse presents a fantasy of an alternative career—being a musician, which is often romanticized as a life of freedom and creativity. The comparison to fishing suggests that making a living as a musician might seem easy to outsiders, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Get a second-hand guitar
Chances are you’ll go far
If you get in with the right bunch of fellows
This line speaks to the idea of community and opportunity. Success, even in creative fields, often depends on networking and finding the right group of people to support and collaborate with. It’s a reminder that, while independence is important, having the right connections can make all the difference.
Bridge:
People see you having fun
Just a-lying in the sun
Tell them that you like it this way
The bridge offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of someone who’s successfully “taken care of business.” The imagery of lying in the sun conveys a sense of relaxation and enjoyment, as if the hard work has paid off and the reward is freedom. The line “tell them that you like it this way” suggests a certain defiance—an assertion that this lifestyle isn’t lazy or unproductive, but rather the result of taking control and doing things on your own terms.
It’s the work that we avoid
And we’re all self-employed
We love to work at nothing all day
These lines further underscore the theme of independence. By stating “we’re all self-employed,” the song aligns itself with the idea of entrepreneurship and rejecting the traditional corporate structure. The phrase “work at nothing all day” might seem contradictory, but it implies that when you’re doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s the ultimate freedom—doing what you want, when you want, without the constraints of a traditional job.
The Enduring Appeal of “Taking Care of Business”
“Taking Care of Business” remains popular decades after its release because it taps into universal desires: the need for independence, the pride that comes from hard work, and the dream of a life that balances work and play. The song resonates with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind to create something of their own.
Over the years, the song has been used in countless commercials, movies, and TV shows, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone. Its infectious chorus and upbeat message make it an anthem for anyone who’s striving to “take care of business” in their own way.
Conclusion
At its core, “Taking Care of Business” is more than just a rock song—it’s an anthem of empowerment and self-determination. Whether you’re an entrepreneur building your own business, an artist pursuing your passion, or simply someone looking to take control of your life, the song’s message is clear: success comes from hard work, independence, and doing things on your own terms. In a world that often pressures individuals to conform to traditional paths, “Taking Care of Business” offers a refreshing reminder that there’s another way—a way that’s just as rewarding, if not more so.
