Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
George Michael & Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics
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Made it race against time
Once I build 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
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodle De dumb
Half a million boots went slogging 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
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee doodle de dumb
Half a million boots went slogging 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
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
George Michael's song "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" is a classic tune that reflects the despair and disillusionment felt during the Great Depression. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about his past, when he was able to build a railroad and a tower that once stood tall, but are now obsolete. These verses are metaphors for the former industrialization and prosperity of America, which was now struggling with widespread poverty and unemployment. The chorus "Brother can you spare a dime?" is a plea for help from those who were once wealthy and powerful but had now fallen on hard times.
The lyrics later shift to the singer's personal experiences as a soldier during World War I, where he played the drum. He sings about how amazing they looked in their khaki suits, but they were sent to fight in a terrible war. Despite their incredible sacrifice, they came back home to find themselves jobless and penniless. The last chorus is a direct appeal to the listener, asking for assistance, as even the proud and once self-sufficient person now needed others to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I build a railroad, made it run
I used to build railroads and make them run efficiently
Made it race against time
I made sure that the trains ran on time and didn't waste people's time
Once I build a railroad, now it's done
But now the job is complete and the railroad is finished
Brother, can you spare a dime?
But I'm now in a difficult financial situation and need some help
Once I built a tower to the sun
In the past, I built a huge tower that seemed to reach for the sky
Brick and rivet and lime
I used strong building materials, like bricks and rivets, to create the tower
Once I built a tower, now it's done
But the tower is now complete and stands tall
Brother, can you spare a dime?
But I'm still in need of financial assistance, despite my past achievements
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
I used to wear khaki suits and thought we looked pretty sharp
Full of that Yankee Doodle De dumb
We were full of patriotic pride and enthusiasm for our country's cause
Half a million boots went slogging through hell
But in reality, we were soldiers who suffered through the horrors of war
I was the kid with the drum
I was just a young soldier, doing my part by playing the drum
Say don't you remember, they called me Al
I had a nickname, Al, that people used to call me
It was Al all the time
That nickname stuck, and people continued to call me Al even after the war
Say don't you remember, I'm your pal
I'm someone you used to know and be friends with
Brother, can you spare a dime?
But now I'm struggling financially, and I need your help
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Can you help me out, my friend?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Jay Gorney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shhh85
This song takes a little while to get going, but once it does it shoots for the stars. The rousing orchestra ensemble kicks in, and George's powerful tenor lifts the tune over the moon. Fantastic.
missisfreddiemercury
I agree!
Gerardo Moreno
Yes!
Peter Linnett
what an amazing performance from the legend that will always be Mr George Michael. RIP
Ufuk Tuncoz
🌹🍃
BK
When I hear this song, My body just almost quivers, My heart is in my throat, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. He's so gorgeous, and classy, his voice so powerful, and perfect. Man, he takes my breath away every time! I'll keep saying it, George Michael is my little piece of heaven!
theuofc
OMG. George looked absolutely gorgeous and in that trim suit...totally swoonworthy.
His voice soaring in passion really did justice to that heart-wrenching song. We love you, George. HAPPY 54th BIRTHDAY, never forgotten.
Funky Monkey
theuofc I agree
Dorothy Hodge
theuofc he looked so good I almost forgot the song.
Ufuk Tuncoz
@Dorothy Hodge 🎶🌞🎵🍬🎶