The meaning of the lyrics of the song "The Dirty Jobs" by the artist "Who, The"

The song "The Dirty Jobs" by The Who explores the harsh realities of working-class life and the struggle to maintain dignity in the face of humiliation and hardship.

The song's protagonist works a dirty job, tending to pigs. He feels degraded and powerless but recognizes the need to be careful with his words to avoid making his situation worse.

The chorus captures the oppressive routine he finds himself trapped in – being put down, pushed around, and slapped every day. Despite this, a flicker of hope for change persists within him, and he refuses to simply sit and feel sorry for himself.

The imagery of closed-down mines and a bus driver who used to transport miners to work symbolizes economic decline and lack of opportunity. The line "Ain't it funny how we all look the same?" highlights the dehumanization of the working class.

The protagonist's inner voice, his "karma," accuses him of allowing himself to be treated poorly. He acknowledges his youth and lack of experience but asserts that, despite this, he knows right from wrong.

Overall, the song conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair experienced by the working class while also carrying a powerful message of hope for change and a refusal to be subjugated by fate.