Brother, can you spare a dime?

[LongTomH]

Run time: 03:46 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVE72Ae82Tw   Posted on YouTube: August 05, 2007 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: April 06, 2008 By DU Member: LongTomH Views on DU: 550

 
This was one of the songs from the (last) Great Depression. There are several versions on YouTube; this one's by Tom Waits. That gravelly, crying-in-your-beer voice is perfect for the pathos in this song.

Here's a more traditional version, sung by Bing Crosby

"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?

From the Songs of the Great Depression website.