ROCK MOMENT – Bachman Turner Overdrive “Takin’ Care of Business”
Few classic rock songs capture the spirit of hard work, determination, and having a little fun along the way quite like Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business.” Released in 1973 on the band’s second album, Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, the song would become the Canadian rock group’s signature hit and one of the most enduring anthems in rock history.
Ironically, the song didn’t begin with its famous title. Guitarist and songwriter Randy Bachman originally wrote it under the name “White Collar Worker.” The early version was inspired by the routine of commuting to work every day and carried a more straightforward message about the nine-to-five grind. While performing the song live, Bachman realized it needed a stronger hook.
The breakthrough came after hearing DJ Daryl Burlingham on Vancouver radio sign off each broadcast by saying, “We’re takin’ care of business.” Bachman immediately recognized that the phrase was much catchier than “White Collar Worker.” He rewrote the chorus around those words, giving the song the infectious singalong refrain that audiences still know today.
Bachman has often explained that the song wasn’t meant to glorify office jobs—it was actually written from the perspective of a musician. The lyrics compare people stuck in traffic and working traditional jobs with someone who gets to make a living playing guitar. Lines like, “If your train’s on time, you can get to work by nine,” paint the picture of the daily commute, while the song ultimately celebrates the freedom of doing what you love. Bachman once joked that musicians were “taking care of business” by entertaining everyone else while they were working.
One of the song’s most memorable features almost didn’t happen. During the recording session, Bachman wanted a boogie-woogie style piano part to drive the rhythm. There wasn’t a session pianist available, but the band’s roadie, Norm Durkee, mentioned that he played piano. Bachman invited him into the studio, and Durkee delivered the energetic piano performance heard on the finished recording. Although Durkee wasn’t officially a member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, his contribution became one of the defining elements of the song.
Producer Randy Bachman deliberately kept the arrangement simple and powerful. The crunchy guitar riffs, pounding rhythm section, handclaps, and singalong chorus created an instantly recognizable sound that fit perfectly with the band’s blue-collar rock image. Rather than relying on elaborate production, the recording emphasized groove, energy, and memorable hooks.
Released as a single in late 1973, “Takin’ Care of Business” climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1974. While it wasn’t the band’s highest-charting hit—that honor belongs to “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” which reached No. 1 later that year—it quickly became Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s defining song. Rock radio embraced it, and its popularity only grew over the decades.
The song has since become a staple at sporting events, in television commercials, movies, and business promotions. Its title has even entered everyday language as shorthand for getting the job done. Ironically, a song written about escaping the daily grind became the ultimate anthem for workplaces around the world.
More than 50 years after its release, “Takin’ Care of Business” remains a classic because of its universal appeal. Randy Bachman’s clever rewrite, an unforgettable guitar riff, and an impromptu piano performance from a roadie combined to create a timeless rock anthem that continues to inspire listeners to roll up their sleeves—and, of course, take care of business.
