You're working at your leisure to learn the things you'll need
The promises you make tomorrow will carry no guarantee
I've seen your qualifications, you've got a Ph.D.
I've got one art O level, it did nothing for me

Working for the rat race
You know you're wasting your time
Working for the rat race
You're no friend of mine

You plan your conversation to impress the college bar
Just talking about your Mother and Daddy's Jaguar
Wear your political T-shirt and sacred college scarf
Discussing the worlds situation but just for a laugh

You'll be working for the rat race
You know you're wasting your time
Working for the rat race
You're no friend of mine

Working for the rat race
You know you're wasting your time
Working for the rat race
You're no friend of mine

Just working at your leisure to learn the things you don't need
The promises you make tomorrow will carry no guarantee
I've seen your qualifications, you've got a Ph.D.
I've got one art O level, it did nothing for me

Working for the rat race
You know you're wasting your time
You're working for the rat race
You're no friend of mine


Lyrics submitted by BeautifulDisaster

Rat Race Lyrics as written by Johnny Guitar Lee Brilleaux

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Rat Race song meanings
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5 Comments

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    General Comment

    This is a great song both lyrically and musically. A typical social statement by the Specials. The uptempo ska crossed with punk beat is a dance classic from early 80s school discos. The lyrics reflect upon whether life getting a good education means anything if you have to work "like a rat" - is this philosophically true?

    CharmingManon February 14, 2006   Link

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