The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I don't mind working, 'cause I used to be jerking off most of my time in bars
I've been a cabbie and a stock clerk and a soda-fountain jock-jerk
And a manic mechanic on cars
It's nice work if you can get it, now who the hell said it?
I got money to spend on my gal
But the work never stops, and I'll be busting my chops
Working for Joe and Sal
And I can't wait to get off work and see my baby
She said she'd leave the porch light on for me
I'm disheveled and I'm disdainful and I'm distracted and it's painful
But this job sweeping up here is gainfully employing me tonight
Well Tom, do this and Tom, do that, and Tom, don't do that
Count the cash, clean the oven, dump the trash
Oh your loving is a rare and a copacetic gift
And I'm a moonlight watch manic, it's hard to be romantic
Sweeping up over by the cigarette machine
Sweeping up over by the cigarette machine
I can't wait to get off work and see my baby
She'll be waiting up with a magazine for me
Clean the bathrooms and clean 'em good, oh your loving I wish you would
Come down here and sweep a-me off my feet, this broom'll have to be my baby
If I hurry, I just might get off before the dawn's early light
I've been a cabbie and a stock clerk and a soda-fountain jock-jerk
And a manic mechanic on cars
It's nice work if you can get it, now who the hell said it?
I got money to spend on my gal
But the work never stops, and I'll be busting my chops
Working for Joe and Sal
And I can't wait to get off work and see my baby
She said she'd leave the porch light on for me
I'm disheveled and I'm disdainful and I'm distracted and it's painful
But this job sweeping up here is gainfully employing me tonight
Well Tom, do this and Tom, do that, and Tom, don't do that
Count the cash, clean the oven, dump the trash
Oh your loving is a rare and a copacetic gift
And I'm a moonlight watch manic, it's hard to be romantic
Sweeping up over by the cigarette machine
Sweeping up over by the cigarette machine
I can't wait to get off work and see my baby
She'll be waiting up with a magazine for me
Clean the bathrooms and clean 'em good, oh your loving I wish you would
Come down here and sweep a-me off my feet, this broom'll have to be my baby
If I hurry, I just might get off before the dawn's early light
Lyrics submitted by yuri_sucupira
I Can't Wait to Get off Work Lyrics as written by Thomas Alan Waits
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, JALMA MUSIC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
I Can't Wait to Get Off Work (And See My Baby on Montgomery Avenue) song meanings
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This song is so incredible! Who hasn't been @ work and just wanted to get home into the arms of their baby? Sometimes when I'm @ work I'll call my g/f and start singing this to her. If I had the money I'd pay Tom Waits to come to my wedding and sing this song for our dance. Thank you Tom.