They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob
When their was earth to plow or guns to bear
I was always their 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 sloggin’ 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?
From the third (1932) edition of the hit
Broadway revue "Americana".
Edgar "Yip" Harburg (1898-1981) was a former electrician made bankrupt
during the Depression.
As recorded by Bing Crosby with Lennie Hayton & his Orchestra
October 25, 1932 in New York.
