Father's been working all night long To feed the babies and keep them strong Mother's been waitressing again To pay for wasted time well spent So pardon me Mr. officer I have a little question for you Why can't we drink just to get drunk Why can't we smoke just to get high I'm motivated by a nine to five life It's worth the pleasure and the pain To ride upon this one way train And say that we've been able to provide For you and yours and me and mine So pardon me Mr. officer I have a little question for you Why can't we drink just to get drunk Why can't we smoke just to get high I'm motivated by a nine to five life Why do we run just to stand still Why can't we drink just to get drunk Why can't we smoke just to get high I'm motivated by a nine to five life Why do we work just to get by We're motivated by a 9 to 5 life