[Verse 1]
There are people in this country
Who work hard every day
But 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

[Pre-Chorus]
Hello Detroit auto workers
Let me thank you for your time
You work a 40 hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill worker
Let me thank you for your time
You work a 40 hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line

[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
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

[Pre-Chorus]
Hello Kansas wheat field farmer
Let me thank you for your time
You work a 40 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 40 hour week for a livin'
Just to send it on down the line

[Chorus]
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
[Outro]
Hello America, let me thank you for your time