"BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?"

This song, sung by Al Jolson, is uncannily appropriate for OUR present time!

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"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 Doodle Dum.
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell.
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?

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