Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) as a place where the usual rules of work are flipped on their head. The opening dialogue sets a scene of early morning, but the response suggests a relaxed approach to labor, hinting that the W.P.A. operates on a different clock. It's a place where the expected hustle is replaced by a more laid-back, almost absurd, attitude towards employment. The central tension lies in the contrast between the idea of 'work' and the reality described. The narrator states, "T'ain't what you do, you can die for your pay," suggesting a disconnect between effort and reward, or perhaps even a sense of futility. The repeated phrase "The W.P.A." acts as a mantra, a justification for this unconventional approach to labor, where "working hard is passé" and standing for hours is the norm. The most striking aspect is the ironic portrayal of job security and management. The lyrics suggest that "don't mind the boss if he's cross when you're gay" because "He'll get a pink slip next month anyway." This implies a lack of consequence for both the worker and the supervisor, creating a sense of bureaucratic absurdity where "three little letters than make life OK." Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they tap into a universal fantasy: a job where one can "sleep while you work" and "lean on your shovel to pass the time away." The W.P.A. is presented not just as a government program, but as an almost utopian escape from the pressures of traditional employment, where "can't get fired" becomes the ultimate perk.