20 songs about construction

We’ve been inspired to drum up 20 songs that, in one way or another, combine aspects of the construction industry with all of life's ups and downs. As the Boss says,

"Working on the highway, laying down the blacktop/
Working on the highway, all day long I don't stop
Working on the highway, blasting through the bedrock
Working on the highway...'

Working long hours to complete a construction project on time and within budget keeps us up at night in the construction industry.

Here are our top 20 favorite construction songs, plus other favorites that construction professionals have shared, to help keep you going.

So, turn it up to 11 and let’s rock out—here's our personal top three.

“If I Had a Hammer” Pete Seeger

A while back, Lee Hays and Pete Seeger sang about removing danger by adding unity to the world. The song itself isn’t really about construction, but we can definitely relate to dangerous situations in the industry and efforts to hammer those hazards out in one way or another. Considering construction is full of hazards, there is an easier way to keep track of certifications and safety requirements. By using a digital solution where data (including certification information) is updated in real time, construction human resources teams can easily access safety and training records. Also, daily safety huddles can be recorded and referenced if needed.

“Hard Hat and a Hammer” Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson sings openly about the hard work that a construction worker may endure. Jackson also insinuates that rigid work comes with a low price: low or "average" pay in the industry. This is a stigma that does exist among those entering the job force and a factor that has been contributing to the construction labor shortage. However, there are ways to overcome the labor shortage—by showcasing growth opportunities, benefits and modern technology. Viewpoint's Construction Labor Shortage Toolkit provides tips and tricks on how to beat the labor shortage and overcome stereotypes that exist in the industry.

“We Built This City” Starship

This construction song begs the question: how are cities actually built? There is a long, accurate answer to this question including how urban civilization began. We know the process definitely took more time than the evolution of rock and roll music — not that music didn't help along the way. Building any structure typically involves many people, a lot of time, money and skill. Staying on target can be problematic especially with outdated systems. Sometimes, it can be hard to choose the right system to master your next project — whether it's building a bridge, building or an entire city. When considering project management software, you should ask ten specific construction project management questions to make sure you are getting the most bang for your project.

Learn about how construction professionals can work smarter, not harder with a connected solution.

More of your favorite construction tunes

From bluegrass groups to jam bands, country to alternative rock, we’ve got 17 more construction songs that discuss our ever changing industry. When you’re ready to get back to business, Trimble Viewpoint is your go-to solution for integrated construction software to help your organization overcome many of these common construction challenges.

• “Working Man Blues” Merle Haggard

• “I’m Working on a Building” Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys

• “Working on the Highway” Bruce Springsteen

• “The House That Jack Built” Aretha Franklin

• “If I Were A Carpenter” Tim Hardin

• “Samson & Delilah” Grateful Dead

• “Building Bridges” Brooks & Dunn

• “Wrecking Ball” Miley Cyrus

• “Build Me Up Buttercup” The Foundations

• “Brick By Brick” Arctic Monkeys

• “Grandpa was a Carpenter” John Prine

• “Hammer and a Nail” Indigo Girls

• “Our House” Madness

• “Highway (Under Construction)” Gorillaz

• “Early in the Morning” The Gap Band

• “Build” The Housemartins

• “Screaming at a Wall” Minor Threat

We would love to show you how construction management software can help streamline your organization—making working on highways, building cities, bridges and everything in between a bit easier.