There Is Power In a Union
Billy Bragg Lyrics

There is power in a factory, power in the land
The ability to influence or control lies in the hands of factory workers, farmers and labourers who hold sway over the physical resources of land, property and infrastructures.

Power in the hand of the worker
The physical power lies in the hands of the worker, with their ability to participate in strikes or bring production to a standstill, they have control over the productivity.

But it all amounts to nothing
However, their power and influence will amount to nothing if they don't unite or work collectively to achieve their goals.

If together we don't stand
If they don't unite to strengthen their collective bargaining power, then it will weaken their resolve and their ability to achieve their objectives.

There is power in a Union
The true source of power lies only in the union - a collective force of workers united for a common cause or objective.

Now the lessons of the past
The historical events that took place and the struggles of the working class serve an important foundation to learn from their triumphs and failures.

Were all learned with workers' blood
The lessons were not only derived from intellectual or theoretical exercises but were learnt from the bloodshed and sacrifices of the working class.

The mistakes of the bosses we must pay for
The bosses' errors and wrong decisions are often borne by the working class with reduced wages, loss of jobs and little job security.

From the cities and the farmlands
Issues related to the working class affect people in all areas- from urban to farming communities.

To trenches full of mud
The working class is not just confined to urban settings, even in times of war, they have to bear the brunt of the harsh circumstances.

War's always been the bosses' way, sir
Throughout history, those in positions of power and authority have used wars as a tool to gain power or control over others.

The Union forever defending our rights
The union will always remain the champion for the rights of the workers, safeguarding their interests and negotiating better contracts and wages.

Down with the blackleg, all workers unite
The concept of scabs (blacklegs) or people who cross the picket line is unequivocally rejected by the union. The true strength lies in the unity of the workers.

With our brothers and our sisters
The union's collective strength comprises of workers from different races, religions or nationalities who work together to achieve their goals.

From many far off lands
Workers from different nations, cultures or backgrounds working together towards a common cause is a salient feature of unions.

Now I long for the morning that they realize
The singer's hope is that someday, people will realise that tyrannical rulers, oppressive laws and regulations will not break their unity and opinions.

Brutality and unjust laws cannot defeat us
Despite brutal physical violence or unfair laws, the power of the union and unity amongst the workers will always be victorious.

But who'll defend the workers who cannot organise
Although unions are the go-to organisation for protecting the rights of workers, people who are unable to organise unions need protection and support as well.

When the bosses send their lackeys out to cheat us?
Employers often use suppliers or middlemen who are prone to fraud or exploitation to keep their costs low, and the workers and the union need to remain vigilant and to be aware of this constantly.

Money speaks for money
The saying implies that those with wealth will always use their resources to gain more power, influence, and to maintain their control over society.

The Devil for his own
The devil is a symbol of evil or malevolence; the line suggests that people with wealth or influence prioritise their interests over others.

Who comes to speak for the skin and the bone?
The singer is calling out to a vocal spokesperson for the weak and the downtrodden, the ones who are unable to represent themselves or have their voices heard.

What a comfort to the widow
The union offering support or solace to those women who have lost their husbands, who are considered the main breadwinner in most households, because of labour-related incidents is the only solace these women can find.

A light to the child
Growing up in poverty and strife, children often see only the darkness of the future; the union, through their actions, can offer hope and light to these underprivileged sections.

Together we will stand
The strength lies in unity and the cooperation of different groups.

There is power in a Union
Reiteration of the fact that unions help in bringing about solidarity and the necessary support to fight oppression and tyranny.