CAN you see me, Sasha? I can see you. . . . A tentacle of the vast dawn is resting on your face that floats as though detached in a sultry and greenish vapor. I cannot reach my hands to you . . . would not if I could, though I know how warmly yours… Read More TO ALEXANDER BERKMAN by Lola Ridge
How should they appraise you, who walk up close to you as to a mountain, each proclaiming his own eyeful against the other’s eyeful. Only time standing well off shall measure your circumference and height.
Workers of the world awaken! Break your chains, demand your rights.All the wealth you make is taken By exploiting parasitesShall you kneel in deep submission From your cradles to your graves?Is the height of your ambition To be good and willing slaves?CHORUS:Arise, ye prisoners of starvation!Fight for your own emancipation;Arise, ye slaves of every nation,,… Read More Workers of the World Awaken by Joe Hill
(Tune: “Take It to the Lord in Prayer”) “Are you poor, forlorn and hungry? Are there lots of things you lack?Is your life made up of misery? Then clump the bosses off your back.Are your clothes all patched and tattered? Are -you living in a shack?would you have your troubles scattered? Then dump the bosses… Read More Dump the Bosses Off Your Back by John Brill
(Tune: “John Brown’s Body”)When the Union’s inspiration through the workers’ blood shallThere can Be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun.Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of oneBut the Union makes us strong. CHORUS: Solidarity forever Solidarity forever!Solidarity forever!For the Union makes us strongIs there aught we hold in common… Read More SOUDARITY FOREVER BY RALPH CHAPLIN
THE PREACHER AND THE SLAVE BY JOE HILL (Tune: “Sweet Bye and Bye”)Long-haired preachers come out every night,Try to tell you what’s wrong and what’s right;But when asked how ’bout something to eatThey will answer with voices so sweet:CHORUS::You will eat, bye and bye,In that glorious land above the sky;Work and pray, live on hay,You’ll… Read More THE PREACHER AND THE SLAVE BY JOE HILL
The little worker ants Never fail to fall For the old sleight of handThe orange magician Mesmerizing with the left Presenting something petty and shinyWhile all the while performing Atrocities, abuse and injustice With the well-greased rightThey cheer and clap With glee and excitement Never seeing the real worldRoy RichardJanuary 2025
(Tune: “There ls Power In the Blood”)Would you have freedom from wage slavery, Then join in the grand Industrial band:Would you from mis’ry and hunger be free, Then come, do your share, like a man.CHORUS:There is pow’r, there is pow’rIn a band of workingmen,When they stand hand in hand,That’s a pow’r that’s a pow’rThat must… Read More THERE IS POWER IN A UNION BY JOE HILL
There are women of many descriptions In this queer world, as everyone knows,Some are living in beautiful mansions, And are wearing the finest of clothes.There are blue-blooded queens and princesses, Who have charms made of diamond and pearl;But the only and thoroughbred lady Is the Rebel GirlChorusThat’s the Rebel Girl, that’s the Rebel Girl!To the… Read More THE REBEL GIRL Words and Music by Joe Hill 1916
Murdered by the Authorities of the State of UtahNovember 19. 1915High head and back unbending—fearless and true,Into the night unending; why was it you?Heart that was quick with song, torn with their lead’Life that was young and strong, shattered and dead.Singer of manly songs, laughter and tears;Singer of Labor’s wrongs, joys, hopes and fears:Though you… Read More JOE HILL by Ralph Chaplin
Ramblings of an Old Coot 