There are people in this country who work hard every day

Not for fame or fortune do they strive

But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay

And it's time a few of them were recognized



Hello Detroit auto workers, let me thank you for your time

You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line

Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers, let me thank you for your time

You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line



This is for the one who swings the hammer, driving home the nail

Or the one behind the counter, ringing up the sale

Or the one who fights the fires, the one who brings the mail

For everyone who works behind the scenes



You can see them every morning in the factories and the fields

In the city streets and the quiet country towns

Working together like spokes inside a wheel

They keep this country turning around



Hello Kansas wheat field farmer, let me thank you for your time

You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line

Hello West Virginia coal miner, let me thank you for your time

You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line



This is for the one who drives the big rig, up and down the road

Or the one out in the warehouse, bringing in the load

Or the waitress, the mechanic, the policeman on patrol

For everyone who works behind the scenes



With a spirit you can't replace with no machine

Hello America let me thank you for your time