Sydney indie-rock quintet Safety First are starting the year off strong with their fun new single “Office Romance” – released 27 April – to get you through the day. The track is their fourth since emerging in 2022 and demonstrates their knack for spotlighting the interesting stories in everyday scenarios.
Inspired by workplace sit-coms like The Office, the band’s latest offering is a tongue-in-cheek take on a day in the life at singer Lexi Green’s desk job. A humorous intro sets the tone for its satirical lyrics over catchy pop stylings and picked guitar melodies.
“At that point in my life I was spending a lot of time standing in queues,” Green explains. “One day at Centrelink, my mind started to wander. I thought about the depressed looking woman behind the desk, and what might be going through her head. I thought about what would be going through MY head if I was a depressed looking woman behind a desk somewhere.”
Safety First shared their ideal Office Mix with us to get you through the daily grind.
Talking Heads – “Don’t Worry About the Government”
This is the only song I can think of that is actually about working in an office. I think that’s what it’s about anyway, I’m not really sure. It’s definitely about working and buildings though, and that’s basically what an office is.
The Office Theme Song (US)
Of course.
Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
I genuinely can’t think of an explanation for this one. This is just the correct answer for ‘office playlist’.
The Bangles – “Manic Monday”
This song is from the 80s. It’s crazy to think going to work existed back then, it’s been so long.
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs – “Heigh Ho”
They’re actually working in a mine not an office and they seem to really enjoy working, which is really strange, but old animation is really surreal and makes you feel like nothing is real, which is really nice!
Pink Floyd – “Money”
Money can be exchanged for goods and services.
The Drums – “Money”
A genuinely good song, although the singer actually DOESN’T have any money, probably because he doesn’t have a white collar 9-5 office job. It’s hard to say, but it’s almost like a cautionary tale against not working in an office (not sure if the double negative makes sense there, I really hope it means what I want it to mean).
ABBA – “Money Money Money”
This song is so good, but the lyrics are so depressing. I had no idea.
Survivor – “Eye of the Tiger”
“Very metaphoric” – Lauren.
Rihanna – “Work”
Rihanna’s take on office life is pretty accurate, strongly recommend.
Cannonball Adderley – “Work Song”
This is a jazz song, so it doesn’t have lyrics, but it’s also about work too judging by the title.
The Ocean Party – “Split”
This is a Tom suggestion, it’s such a beautifully relatable song. It feels so nice and it’s not super well known, so definitely give this one a listen!
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – “Desk Chair”
We genuinely love this song and it could be about going to work, so that’s close enough x.
Sidney Gish – “Mouth Log”
Not about offices specifically, but she does say the line “I hate work” which is pretty real.
Courtney Barnett – “Elevator Operator”
Although we don’t get to an office, the main character of this song has a tie and commutes, so he is probably an office worker. Also, later on he goes to an elevator in an unrelated building and elevators are very officecore.
Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer”
We decided we needed more 80s anthems in this playlist tbh.
