About the song
“Bang the Drum All Day” by Todd Rundgren is a spirited anthem that encapsulates the joy of liberation from daily responsibilities through the sheer power of music. Released in 1983 as a single from his album “The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect,” the song embodies a carefree spirit and a rebellious streak against the mundane aspects of life.
The lyrics, delivered in Rundgren’s distinctive style, center around the narrator’s unyielding passion for drumming and percussion. The protagonist eschews conventional obligations such as work and education in favor of indulging in their musical passion. This theme resonates deeply with listeners, making it a quintessential anti-work anthem and a celebration of personal freedom.
Musically, “Bang the Drum All Day” is a tour de force performed entirely by Rundgren himself, showcasing his multi-instrumental prowess. The song’s chorus, noted for its resemblance to “Fox on the Run” by the Sweet, adds a nostalgic twist that enhances its appeal.
Beyond its musical qualities, the song has embedded itself in popular culture, particularly in the realm of sports and entertainment. It has become a staple at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, where it plays jubilantly after each touchdown, cementing its status as an unofficial anthem in Wisconsin. Other sports teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, have adopted it for similar celebratory purposes, attesting to its enduring popularity and infectious energy.
Outside the realm of sports, “Bang the Drum All Day” has found its way into various media and contexts. It has been referenced in video games like “The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind,” commercials, and popular television shows such as “The Office,” where its catchy refrain underscores moments of comedic relief.
Moreover, the song’s versatility extends to its live adaptations, such as the Hawaiian-style rendition titled “Bang on the Ukulele Daily,” demonstrating Rundgren’s creative exploration and willingness to reimagine his classic work.
In essence, “Bang the Drum All Day” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate across generations. Its infectious rhythm and rebellious spirit make it a timeless ode to individuality and the transformative power of music, firmly establishing Todd Rundgren as a pioneer in both music and cultural influence.
Video
Lyrics
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day
Ever since I was a tiny boy
I don’t want no candy, I don’t need no toy
I took a stick and an old coffee can
I bang on that thing ’til I got blisters on my hand
Because
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day (yes, I do)
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day (that’s right)
When I get older they think I’m a fool
The teacher told me I should stay after school
She caught me pounding on the desk with my hands
But my licks was so hot
I made the teacher wanna dance
And that’s why
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day (hey, why not?)
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day (listen to this)
Every day when I get home from work
I feel so frustrated, the boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And I pound on that drum like it was the boss’s head, because I…
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day (hey, hey)
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day (I can bang that drum)
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day (hey, you wanna take a bang at it?)
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don’t want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day (I can do this all day)
I don’t want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day