First Line: 
Joe Workingman's wife, that's how I was defined

Reference

About the Song

Dane recorded this on her 1973 album "I Hate the Capitalist System". 

Here is a great 2019 post on Dane and this song: djactionslacks.com/post/working-class-woman-barbara-dane-1973

Joe Workingman's wife, that's how I was defined
As if that was my life, my hope & my mind
But I worked in a bakeshop, did the house work at night
There was no time to stop for a young bird in flight
(in A - capo 3) E - D - / G - D A / E D C - / D - A -

Well, in time there were babies, had to make us a home
Joe was working 2 jobs, I was always alone
I needed some time & just a little control
Just to keep my right mind, just to try to stay whole

(bridge) I wanted a partner, to be his friend, not just his wife
I'll work hard for my children, but they're my love, not my life!
A - F#m E / A - F# E

Went to work in a factory & it's rough in this world
My kids are in high school, but the boss calls me "girl"
But the woman beside me as we sweat out the line
Says "Tomorrow is payday & the next day is mine!"

It's a race for the strong, 'cause it will grind up the meek
When your money runs short 'bout the end of the week
And your car needs some tires & your kids need some shoes
For a working class woman that's an old kind of blues

(bridge) This system buys hands, but you must not use your head
It'll shake you &break you 'til all your senses are dead!

But I know there are answers, got to look to the source
I think me & this system got to get a divorce!
I can't make enough money, I can't find enough time
But I'm a hard working woman & the future is mine

Well, there's more where I come from & we got anger to burn
And we're talking & moving, we're gonna study & learn
Build a unity trade on a straight arrow line
If today is the bosses', I know tomorrow is mine!

(tag) And I know it takes loving & I know it takes time, but
I'm a working class woman & the future is mine! (4x)
A - F#m - / E D A - (4x)