The Power of Hard Work
Britney Spears released Work Bitch on September 16, 2013, as the lead single from her eighth album, Britney Jean. The song was co-written by a plethora of talented individuals, including will.i.am, Ruth Cunningham, Anthony Preston, Otto Jettman, and Sebastian Ingrosso.
Work Bitch is a high-energy song that, based on her life experiences, encourages listeners to work hard to achieve the things they want. Work Bitch is Britney’s magnum opus.
“This business is really hard to get into. I think you have to know the right people. It’s really cutthroat. You have to be very determined, very focused, and very disciplined, and know that there is going to be a lot of work ahead of you to make it in this business. It is a lot of hard work, and, you know, if you’re cut out for that and understand, really understand what it means, I think then you can succeed,” said Britney during a 2013 interview.
Britney spoke about working with will.i.am as a co-writer and producer, noting that “He’s like a little kid in a candy store. He’s a little genius… He’s so eccentric, and I love that about him. He’s so different and fun to be around. The energy is contagious… He has a certain way he writes songs, and I picked up on that. It was kind of inspiring to see, and I was appreciative of that.”
Lyrically: Work Bitch by Britney Spears
Work Bitch opens with a series of questions, asking if you want to look a certain way, own luxury items, and live a lavish lifestyle. Spears provides the answer: ‘You better work, bitch.’ This recurring phrase serves as the song’s central theme, emphasizing that success, in any form, comes through effort and discipline.
You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti?
You want a Maserati? You better work, bitch
You want a Lamborghini? Sip martinis?
Look hot in a bikini? You better work, bitch
You wanna live fancy? Live in a big mansion?
Party in France?
You better work, bitch, you better work, bitch
These lyrics help light the fire and encourage those who take action toward their goals with confidence and discipline. The line ‘Work it hard, like it’s your profession’ highlights the importance of fully dedicating yourself to your goals and becoming the person it takes to achieve them. ‘Watch out now, ’cause here it comes’ suggests that success is just a matter of time, driven by the actions taken.
The ability to work hard is reiterated throughout the song, specifically that “Bring it on, ring the alarm / Don’t stop now, just be the champion / Work it hard, like it’s your profession / Watch out now, ’cause here it comes.”
Here comes the smasher, here comes the master
Here comes the big beat, big beat to blast ya
No time to quit now, just time to get it now
Pick up what I’m putting down, pick up what I’m putting down
The lyrics emphasize determination and massive action, and suggest there is no time to waste, regardless of one’s position. ‘Here comes the smasher, here comes the master’ signals confidence, while ‘No time to quit now, just time to get it now’ stresses persistence and urgency.
‘Pick up what I’m putting down’ captures the underlying message that Britney is delivering: know what you want, embrace opportunities and challenges, and act without hesitation. Declaring that that if you want a life similar to hers, or any life you dream of, you need to action to pursue it.
‘Work Bitch’ is Britney Spears’ defining anthem – her magnum opus.
Hold your head high, fingers to the sky
They gonna try and try ya, but they can’t deny ya
Keep it building higher, and higher
Keep it building higher, and higher
So hold your head high, fingers to the sky
Now they don’t believe ya, but they gonna need ya
Keep it moving higher, and higher
Keep it moving higher and higher, and higher
These lyrics paint a picture of being proud with being resilient. “Hold your head high” and ‘fingers to the sky’ encourage you to believe in yourself and follow through despite the challenges you may face.
The lyrics “they gonna try and try ya, but they can’t deny ya” speak to overcoming doubt and negativity. Some will build you up, while others may hope to see you fall. The repeated call to “keep it moving higher” reinforces that, regardless of circumstances, success is up to you.
