Meaning of "Workin' Man (Nowhere To Go)" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The lyrics of "Workin' Man (Nowhere To Go)" paint a poignant picture of the struggles faced by blue-collar workers who find themselves with nowhere to turn in times of hardship. The protagonist speaks of losing his job, land, and even his wife due to economic downturns, yet he remains steadfast in his identity as a hardworking man. The reference to Woody Guthrie's song "This Land is Your Land" highlights the disparity between the American Dream and the reality faced by many workers who are left with nothing to show for their lifelong toil. Despite his circumstances, the protagonist asserts that he is not broken, emphasizing the resilience and dignity of the working class. The repeated plea for understanding from society reflects a desire for compassion and recognition of the struggles faced by those who are left with "Nowhere to go."