Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
Lennie Hayton & His Orchestra Lyrics
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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
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?
Once in khaki suits, ah 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
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?
The lyrics to Lennie Hayton & His Orchestra's "Brother Can You Spare A Dime?" reflect the struggles of many Americans during the Great Depression. The singer recalls being told that he was building a dream, but ultimately he ends up broke and homeless, asking for a dime from a friend.
The first stanza represents how the singer was once employed in jobs such as farming and war efforts, although the booming success he dreamed of never came true. The second and third stanzas describe previous accomplishments, such as building a railroad and constructing a tower. The fourth and fifth stanzas are ironic, reflecting on the singer's time in the military where he fought for his country but comes back with nothing to show for it.
Overall, the song is about the hopelessness experienced by many people during the Great Depression, and it serves as a reminder to always have compassion for those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
They used to tell me I was building a dream
People used to tell me that I was working towards a better life
And so I followed the mob
I went along with what everyone else was doing
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
Whenever there was work to be done or a war to fight
I was always there right on the job
I was always willing to do my part and work hard
With peace and glory ahead
They promised us a bright and prosperous future
Why should I be standing in line
Why should I be waiting in line for handouts
Just waiting for bread?
Just waiting for basic necessities to survive?
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
I once built a railroad and made it function well
Made it race against time
I made it efficient and fast-paced
Now it's done
It's no longer my responsibility, but it still brings in profit for others
Once I built a tower up to the sun
I once built a tall structure, reaching for the sky
Brick and rivet and lime
I used strong materials to build it
Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell
Many soldiers endured difficult conditions during war
And I was the kid with the drum
I was there to provide a sense of morale amidst the chaos of battle
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al
I used to go by the name Al, do you recall?
It was Al all the time
That was my name, and it's what people knew me as
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal
I was your friend, why have you forgotten about me?
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Can you help me out financially, even just a little bit?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Jay Gorney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind