Elbow - Not a Job (Official Music Video, Original Album Version)

🎵 Elbow – “Not A Job” (Official Music Video) | A Soulful Anthem from Cast of Thousands

Experience the stunning music video for “Not A Job” by British alternative rock band Elbow, taken from their critically acclaimed 2003 album Cast of Thousands. Known for their emotionally rich lyrics, lush soundscapes, and cinematic production, Elbow delivers a moving and introspective track that dives deep into themes of purpose, disillusionment, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

🎬 About the Music Video
The “Not A Job” music video is a haunting visual companion to the song’s melancholic tone. Set against stark, industrial backdrops and slow-burning cityscapes, the video mirrors the track’s emotional weight and observational poetry. Director Dan Fern’s minimalist approach echoes Elbow’s subtle yet powerful storytelling.

🎼 Song & Album Background
“Not A Job” is often praised by fans for its raw honesty and delicate arrangements, standing as a highlight on Cast of Thousands, an album that marked a huge step forward in Elbow’s creative maturity.

The title Cast of Thousands was inspired by a Glastonbury Festival crowd who sang on the track “Grace Under Pressure.” Their voices were recorded live, and contributors were credited in the album sleeve—a literal cast of thousands.

Guy Garvey, the band’s frontman and lyricist, has described “Not A Job” as a deeply personal song exploring the disconnect between modern life and human value—calling attention to how people often feel commodified or irrelevant in society.