"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" lyrics by Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931)
They used to tell me I was building a dream, and so I followed the mob,
When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear, I was always there right on the job.
They used to tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead,
Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?
Once I built a railroad, I made it run, made it race against time.
Once I built a railroad; now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower, up to the sun, brick, and rivet, and lime;
Once I built a tower, now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell,
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum,
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell,
And I was the kid with the drum!
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell,
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum,
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell,
And I was the kid with the drum!
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time.
Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?
---------------
If you watched Simon Schama tonight you'll know why.
If not - so worth watching.
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Just watched the program -amazing how evocative that tune is. My Grandparents were Lithuanian Jewish immigrants who probably ended up in England thinking it was America! So for me the program had personal overtones. My own background inclines me to be especially angry about social injustice and the present financial system and the scapegoating of the poor. I’m still shocked that so many in our country would countenance ill and disabled people being evicted from their homes to save a few bent farthings and help (according to Lord Freud) keep interest rates low!
Not much Rooseveltian compassion around at present with a Labour party cowering before public opinion and only sticking their necks out when its safe!