Top 10 Labor Day Song Playlist

Over 100 years ago, the labor movement created Labor Day to commemorate hard work people have done, and continue to do, to make this country great. The following eclectic playlist is a top ten song selection for your Labor Day barbecue aimed both at honoring the hard workers who formed our country and at helping you relax and enjoy the last holiday of summer!

John Henry by Pete Seeger
Several versions of John Henry are available to listen to at your barbecue this Labor Day. In my opinion, Pete Seeger's is one of the best. The song tells the story of John Henry, and encapsulates the essence of Labor Day. The legend is that John Henry drove steal with a hammer faster than the newly made steam-drill. He worked so hard that he eventually died. John Henry's story will capture your imagination and remind you of the pride that many laborers take in their work. Pete Seeger's rambling bluegrass version relays the story of John Henry with an urgency that is appropriate for the fiery life of this American Legend. It is an essential part of my Labor Day barbecue playlist.

Working in a Coal Mine by Lee Dorsey
Talk about hard work! This song, by Lee Dorsey, is a reminder of the sacrifice and hard work of coal miners for your Labor Day barecue playlist. Dorsey's first narrative of a man who is, "so tired," not only gave a glimpse of the hard day's work of a coal miner, but is part of music history as a forefather of the funk movement.

Up on the Roof by The Drifters
Labor Day isn't just about work; it's about rest, too. The Drifters' version of Up on the Roof captures the spirit of getting away from the stress of work perfectly. The sweeping string instruments and Johnny Stewart's chocolaty voice conspire to create a Labor Day barbecue playlist that is the ultimate in relaxation.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk
Why not make your Labor Day barbecue a dance party with Daft Punk on your playlist? Their song, Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, packs a wallop that will keep your head bobbing this Labor Day. In it, Daft Punk captures the unending quest for perfection and convenience through labor. This band may be from France, but they have their finger on the pulse of what drives America (to dance!).

Shipbuilding by Elvis Costello
This Labor Day barbecue playlist song is another tribute to the hard work of those that have come before us. Perhaps one of Elvis Costello's best songs, Shipbuilding tells of shipbuilding's rumored return to a small town and the sacrifice that the work requires. One the most poignant lines in this beautiful song is, "Diving for dear life, when we should be diving for pearls." Costello reminds us of people who did not have the luxury of career options that we have today as well the dear cost of something we take for granted, like building ships.

Work Song by Nina Simone
No Labor Day barbecue playlist-or, perhaps any playlist at all, in my opinion-would be complete without a Nina Simone song. The hard-hitting Work Song tells the story of a woman stuck on a chain gang. Work Song captures Nina Simone's powerhouse style, great lyrics, and the exhausted attitude that comes with too much work to do.

Tip that Waitress by Loudon Wainwright III
This song by Loudon Wainwright III is a humorous song for your Labor Day barbecue but, like most of Wainwright's songs, there is a streak of truth in it. Tip that Waitress recognizes the difficult lives waitresses everywhere. His tongue-in-cheek tribute includes lines like, "She handles her tray with panache and aplomb, her brother's a Quaker, her dad was in Nam." For those of you who haven't experienced the wonderful lyrics of Loudon Wainwright III, Tip that Waitress is a great place to start on this Labor Day playlist.

Sixteen Tons by The Platters
Some people at your barbecue may identify with the theme of Sixteen Tons; being trapped in debt and working like mad to get out of it. This Labor Day playlist song is a true classic. The version by The Platters has a droll sound accentuated by the lead singer's super-deep voice. The soft vocal backgrounds add a nice balance to Sixteen Tons, making it a dessert for your ears. When this man says, "I owe my soul to the company store," you'll believe it.

Factory by Bruce Springsteen
Of course a Bruce Springsteen song appears on this playlist. No playlist of American holiday songs could be complete without one! The challenge was choosing the best one. After some thought, I've chosen Factory. This downbeat tune captures the monotonous life of factory workers with a beautiful, almost gospel feeling to it. Springsteen's approach makes the factory seem almost like a church for the modern day man. If you have any factory workers at your barbecue, they'll appreciate Factory.

Joe Hill by Billy Bragg
Another classic figure in American legends, Joe Hill was an immigrant who came to America from Sweden for work. Eventually, due to terrible working conditions, Joe wrote labor songs and got involved in labor unions. One day, a man was murdered and Joe Hill was blamed and later shot for the crime. The story of Joe Hill captures the suffering and risk that union men faced when getting rights for workers. Without their help, working conditions in the United States may never have changed and we wouldn't have Labor Day to barbecue and listen to these great songs.

I hope you enjoy this selection of songs for your Labor Day playlist. It is sure to make your holiday barbecue not only fun, but thoughtful.