Why Don't You Get a Job?

Album: Americana (1999)
Charted: 2 74
Play Video
  • My friend's got a girlfriend
    Man, he hates that bitch
    He tells me every day
    He says, "Man, I really gotta lose my chick
    In the worst kind of way"

    She sits on her ass
    He works his hands to the bone
    To give her money every payday
    But she wants more dinero just to stay at home
    Well, my friend
    You gotta say

    I won't pay, I won't pay, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job?
    Say no way, say no way, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job?

    I guess all his money, well, it isn't enough
    To keep her bill collectors at bay
    I guess all his money, well, it isn't enough
    'Cause that girl's got expensive taste

    I won't pay, I won't pay, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job?
    Say no way, say no way, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job?

    Well, I guess it ain't easy doing nothing at all, oh yeah
    But hey, man, free rides just don't come along
    Every day (let me tell you about my other friend now)

    My friend's got a boyfriend, man, she hates that dick (this guy)
    She tells me every day (woo, every day now)
    He wants more dinero just to stay at home
    Well, my friend
    You gotta say (gotta say)

    I won't pay, I won't pay, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job?
    Say no way, say no way, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job? (Oh yeah)

    I won't give you no money, I always pay (no money)
    Na-na, why don't you get a job? (Get a job)
    Say no way, say no way, no way
    Na-na, why don't you get a job? Writer/s: Bryan Holland
    Publisher: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Paul from CanberraThis played on a stereo at a department store and and I saw an employee run to turn down the volume to mute the word bitch! Fun times.
  • Charles from VaIt's also clearly imitating "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, in the verses. Unless they're both imitating a common source.
  • Fedev from ItalyIt is not a ripoff it is a parody of "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" for hell's sake. In the original song the girl stays at home and sing with the band in the evening while the guy goes to work. It's a parody and a critique of the typical 50's American family and of the people not contributing to society.
  • Rocky from Tulsa, OkI still like this song & nearly everything by The Offspring. I like it for its sarcasm in presenting its story about social irresponsibility. Yeah! It may or may not have some similarities with The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" and Simon & Garfunkel's "Cecilia," but I have tracks of both songs & they are s imply not "identical" enough to believe there is a chance of plagiarism. That's probably why McCartney and S-&-G have not filed a plagiarism lawsuit! This is likely a case of being influenced by "the spirit" of the songs. I think The Offspring have enough creativity to turn an influential song from another artist into a creation of their own. Other artists have done it without treading into the grounds of plagiarism. I love The Offspring for their creativity and songs that are a slice of life. Real life can be fun, shocking, hard, grievous, harmonious, rotten-to-the-core, and even enjoyable. Look at The Offspring's long list of songs and you'll see many examples of varieties of life. That's what I love about their songs. That's why I will always be a true fan!
  • Brian from Boston, MaYes it is a blatent ripp off. It is amazing to me that they have not been sued by Simon or McCartney They should sue them and all the proceeds should go to pay for musical instuments and classes for underprivlaged school children.
  • G from Potomac, MdThis is such a rip off. It's amazing what people can get away with.
  • Holly from Appleton, Wiit's a great and very true song.
  • Max from Loveland, Coi memorized this song the first time i heard it.
  • Ryan from Mobile, AlI only have one thing to say.
    MY FRIEND'S GOT A GIRLFRIEND
    MAN, HE HATES THAT B!TCH
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.