Brother, Can You Spare A Dime

Lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, Music by Jay Gorney, © 1932

They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob.
When there was earth to plough or guns to bear
I was always there
Right there 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, 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 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-de-dum.
Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell
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?