The lyrics are about Big Ann, who is a woman working the night shift and constantly falling asleep on the job due to exhaustion. Despite being successful and at the top of her game, she is unable to prioritize her relationship over work.

Read more
image

Meaning of "Sleeping On The Job" by Gillan


The lyrics of "Sleeping On The Job" by Gillan explore the themes of work-life balance, exhaustion, and neglecting personal relationships in pursuit of success. Big Ann is depicted as a hard-working individual who puts in long hours at work, leading to her falling asleep on the job and neglecting her partner. The repeated line "Sleeping on the job" not only refers to her physical act of sleeping while working but also symbolizes her emotional disconnect and lack of effort in her personal life. Despite her success in her career, the lyrics suggest that Big Ann's priorities are misplaced, as she sacrifices her relationships for work. The mention of her past behavior as someone who used to be lively and engaging, but has now become indifferent, highlights the toll that overwork and exhaustion have taken on her. The final lines of the song, with the plea to "Act like a lady" and the realization that she is "sleeping on the job," serve as a wake-up call for Big Ann to reassess her priorities and seek a better balance between her career and personal life.