Bing Crosby

Lyrics

13 ContributorsBrother, Can You Spare a Dime? LyricsThey 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
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
You might also likeOnce in khaki suits, ah, 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
Oh, 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 there's one thing that music is undeniably good at, it's taking us to a specific moment in time. It is a universal language that is capable of expressing emotions and telling stories without the need for words, and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" does just that. The song is a haunting reminder of the struggles that Americans faced during the Great Depression, a time of widespread poverty and unemployment that left many people feeling helpless and disillusioned. Written in 1930 by E.Y. Harburg and Jay Gorney, it is perhaps best known for the version recorded by Bing Crosby.

About Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

The song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" is a product of its time. It was written during the Great Depression, a time when many Americans found themselves out of work and struggling to make ends meet. The song was written by E.Y. Harburg (who would later go on to write the lyrics for the classic movie The Wizard of Oz) and Jay Gorney, and it tells the story of a man who has fallen on hard times as a result of the economic climate. The song is structured as a conversation between the beggar and the listener, with the beggar asking for spare change and the listener asking what brought the beggar to this point in their life.

The song was originally intended for the musical Americana, which opened on Broadway in 1932. However, the song almost didn't make it into the show due to fears that it was too political. Republicans reportedly believed that the song was "anti-capitalist propaganda" and wanted it banned. Despite these concerns, the song was included in the show and later went on to become a hit after being recorded by Crosby, Jolson, and Vallee.

The lyrics of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" are powerful and evocative. They capture the desperate struggles of a man who has lost everything, from his job to his dignity. The chorus, with the lyrics "Once I built a railroad, and I made it run/ Made it race against time/ Once I built a railroad, now it's done/ Brother, can you spare a dime?" is particularly poignant. It's a reminder that the person asking for help was once a productive member of society, providing a useful service, and now finds themselves in dire straits.

In fact, the lyrics of the song are so powerful that it has become known as an anthem of the Great Depression. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, from Judy Collins to George Michael, and it continues to be a symbol of the struggles that faced Americans during one of the darkest periods in the country's history.

Despite the depressing subject matter, the song has a way of sticking with you long after you've heard it. This is largely due to the haunting melody and Bing Crosby's emotive vocals. Lenny Hayton and his Orchestra provide the perfect backing, with a slow and mournful arrangement that perfectly complements the lyrics. The song is a masterclass in how to make music that is both emotionally impactful and musically beautiful.

In summary, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking song that has stood the test of time. It's a reminder of the struggles that Americans faced during the Great Depression, and it continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're listening to Bing Crosby's original version or one of the many covers that have been recorded over the years, the impact of the song remains the same. It's a testament to the power of music to tell a story and touch our hearts.

• Release Date: None
• Artist: Bing Crosby