A Full Time Job

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "A Full Time Job" frame romantic devotion as employment. The speaker yearns for a "full time job making love" and "being close." Yet, there's an immediate, almost resigned, willingness to settle. "A part time job will do," they concede, revealing a deep longing tempered by pragmatism. This central tension drives the entire piece. The speaker repeatedly articulates a desire for complete commitment—a "lifetime job" and "holding hands with you"—only to pivot quickly to accepting less if their partner's "heart don't throb" for a full-time role. This swift concession isn't just a casual offer; it underscores a profound vulnerability, suggesting that any connection, no matter how limited, is preferable to none at all. The chorus cleverly expands this employment metaphor, revealing the depth of the speaker's devotion. They declare, "You wouldn't have to pay me / A nickel or a dime," emphasizing a selfless love devoid of material expectation. The subsequent plea to "get in a little bit of overtime" is particularly poignant, hinting at a desire to maximize even a "part time" connection, pushing beyond standard boundaries to spend more time with the beloved. The lyrical effectiveness lies in this persistent push and pull. Each verse builds on the core desire for a "full time job," only to be undercut by the repeated, almost mournful, acceptance that "a part time job will do." This structure, combined with the playful yet earnest language, paints a vivid picture of a speaker caught between an ideal of complete romantic immersion and the humbling reality of unrequited or uncertain affection. The lyrics make the listener feel the weight of that compromise.