TikTokers are poking fun at the people stealing valor from true blue-collar workers using AI-generated memes and art of the character SpongeBob SquarePants.

The so-called "Blue Collar SpongeBob" memes are going viral across the app, along with a song known as the "Blue Collar Anthem," and they've got people rethinking the definition of blue collar.

So, what exactly is the Blue Collar SpongeBob meme, where did it come from, and who sings the "Blue Collar Anthem"? Here's what we know.

What Is The 'Blue Collar SpongeBob' Meme?

In January 2025, TikToker @redriverredneck1993 went viral after posting a video where he sings an original a cappella song about the struggles of being a blue-collar worker.

The song begins with the line, "My collar's blue but my neck is red. I been working like a dog just to keep my family fed." With over 1.8 million views, the video became one of his biggest pieces of content.

Then, jumping up to September, TikToker @oli.outdoor posted a video using a version of the song with added instrumentals, where they coined it the "Blue Collar Anthem." The post inspired numerous TikTokers to post AI-generated images in the video's comment section.

These images depict SpongeBob as a grizzled blue-collar worker in settings like construction sites, coal mines and more.

Finally, that same month, TikToker @realxphantomx posted a video compilation of these images under the caption "MFs will get their first job at McDonald's and will GENUINELY look at you like this when you ask if they can get on the game," gaining over 1.4 million views and sparking a meme trend.

@redriverredneck1993 #outlawcountry #countrymusic #songwriter #bluecollar #musician ♬ original sound – RedRiverRedneck🤘🏻

@realxphantomx #bluecollar #work #genuinley #fyp #mcdonalds ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

How Is 'Blue Collar SpongeBob' Used In Memes?

Essentially, the Blue Collar SpongeBob meme pokes fun at people for acting like their job or task is blue collar and, therefore, exhausting and time-consuming, even when it's not technically blue collar.

Some of the most viral memes use examples like getting a part-time job at McDonald's, mowing the lawn and fixing your bike chain.

The memes often show the worker taking begrudging pride in their work, no matter how simple and menial the described task might be.

Many of the memes use SpongeBob and other characters from the show to represent a person complaining about their job because now they can't game with their friends all the time.

In the memes, this is treated as a major negative to working. One TikToker has even created an AI video of SpongeBob singing the song in his own voice, adding another layer to the memes.

@g00ner.69 blue collar anthem 🔥 #fyp #content #funny #bluecollar #packgod ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

What Are Some More 'Blue Collar SpongeBob' Memes?

@bobzart0 Since yall love the meme so much🧽 #bluecollar #spongebob #countryboy #countrymusic #fyp ♬ original sound – Bobzart

@grilled______cheese My collars blue my neck is red 🥀 #spongebobmeme #bluecollar #bluecollaranthem #bluecollarspongebob #trend ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

@uniqu3archive #bluecollar #fyp #spongebob #giftok ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

@bam..harden Only ONCE🥀✌️ #fyp #funny #bluecollar #kuntry #tuff ♬ original sound – Oli Outdoor Services

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For the full history of Blue Collar SpongeBob, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.