Nine Up to Five (Dolly Parton)

Language: Dutch

I've been quiet lately: work doesn't leave me a lot of time for this sort of thing. Sorry about that. The big news from the Guilford Estate is that the husband has been laid off from his job, which actually turns out to be the best thing for everybody involved, in some respects, but it was a little strange and abrupt, and so now there's some confusion.

I, meanwhile, have settled into a quietly resigned discontent about my own job: the first couple weeks were emotional and disappointing and all that, but I'm acclimating. Mainly I just dislike the owner, who is always around, and is condescending and mildly insulting all the time. One of those older Midwestern businessmen who enjoy the whole "boss" gig, who don't really need you to be jumping around like they're commanding you to, but enjoy the power-tripping. Whether this is actually any worse than the ones who pretend that they're your pal and develop friendships so you'll work yourself to death for them, I don't know.

But anyway. The man really bugged me at first, and then I asked someone, "So, is there any reason to hope, maybe far off in the future at some point, that [boss's name] might stop speaking to me as if I'm a moron, or lazy?" and was told no, that he's just like that with everybody, don't take it personally. This doesn't help a lot, but there's some perspective in there somewhere.

Anyway. About the song. I've always loved "Nine to Five." Or possibly I've just always loved Dolly Parton. I don't know why she's not still popular: I mean, I get that it's not fashionable to have talent, these days, what with the New Country thing that's been happening in the last twenty years or whatever, but come on. Surely we could make an exception for Dolly Parton. So what if she's a little twangy? Woman's a fucking national treasure, for Chrissakes.

-Jessi

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Tumble and stumble outta bed, to the kitchen,
pour themselves an ambitious head.
Yawning, "Try life," to stretch themselves,
and jump in the shower, where the blood starts to come.
The movement of the streetpumps starts the
people, as I jump on the job of nine-up-to-five.

Active nine to five - what a manner in which to make up a living.
She takes all and none, which is hardly getting by.
You give your opinion, and they only give use of credit.
You'll float crazily if you're late; it is never enough.

"Service for those up to five-nine," and the devoted would think,
I want you; an honest promotion
would move me ahead. The employer seems to deserve to leave, but
people must get that from me sometimes, I'll swear. Mmmmm...

They omit your dream, only
to shatter your attention to them. To pay
you is only one step on the chef-man's ladder.
You got to dream, but he will never take that.

On your boat with the same friends, a lot
who reach within your ship. The day guard's on.
The tide's gonna roll you already, and it's gonna turn, and it's gone.

Active nine up to five - what a manner in which to make up a living.
She takes all and none, which is hardly getting by.
You give your opinion, and they only give use of credit.
You'll float crazily if you're late; it is never enough.

Nine up to five: yes, your true life wants them,
rich men. I think that you're game, and it
would discourage them, no question. What calling
goes with your life? And, if you want it, do you spend that funnily?

Active nine up to five - what a manner in which to make up a living
She takes all and none, which is hardly getting by.
You give your opinion, and they only give use of credit.
You'll float crazily if you're late; it is never enough.

Nine up to five there, yes, your better life wants them. True,
you're a game for rich men, but you dream. It is that, and
no question would discourage them. What calling
goes? Spend that life funnily, if you want.