“Takin’ Care of Business” – A Celebration of the Working Life and Rock ‘n’ Roll Spirit
Released in 1973 as part of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s second album Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, “Takin’ Care of Business” is an enduring anthem of blue-collar work ethic and the drive for success. Written by Randy Bachman, the song became the band’s signature hit, capturing the spirit of the everyday hustle and the pride of doing one’s job well. What started as a personal reflection on a specific work scenario grew into a broader celebration of the working-class spirit, turning it into one of the most recognizable rock songs of the 1970s.
Randy Bachman, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, originally conceived the song while still a member of the Guess Who. The initial inspiration came from his observation of a recording technician who would catch the 8:15 train into the city to work on their sessions. This image of the technician, dedicated and punctual, struck a chord with Bachman, who expanded this concept into a tribute to the daily grind of work life. What began as a simple observation of the technician’s routine blossomed into the now-iconic line, “Take care of business, every day.”
The song’s energetic, riff-driven rock sound and catchy chorus made it a hit immediately upon its release. With Randy Bachman on lead vocals, the song combines hard rock with an anthem-like quality, making it perfect for live performances. The lyrics speak to the universal desire to “get things done,” offering a narrative that resonates with listeners who, like Bachman’s recording technician, take pride in their work and the responsibilities they shoulder each day. The song’s upbeat tempo and confident tone exude the kind of can-do attitude that defines much of the rock ‘n’ roll ethos.
Musically, “Takin’ Care of Business” is a quintessential example of BTO’s sound—straightforward, high-energy, and unapologetically direct. The track’s driving rhythm and infectious chorus were designed to get people moving, and it succeeded spectacularly, becoming a stadium staple in the years that followed. Its success was global, reaching top positions on charts in both the U.S. and Canada and solidifying Bachman-Turner Overdrive as one of the premier hard rock bands of the 1970s.
The song’s legacy is undeniable. It has been embraced by multiple generations, and its use in movies, commercials, and sports events further cemented its status as an anthem of motivation and persistence. Whether it’s the working man, the entrepreneur, or anyone striving to achieve their goals, “Takin’ Care of Business” remains a timeless ode to the pursuit of success and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Through its catchy riff and undeniably relatable message, “Takin’ Care of Business” continues to be the quintessential anthem for anyone who has ever rolled up their sleeves and gotten to work. And in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, few songs have captured that spirit as effectively as this one. For Bachman-Turner Overdrive, it was not just a hit song—it was a declaration of their identity and their place in the hard-working, blue-collar world of rock music.