Brother
Lennie Hayton and 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 of "You" by Lennie Hayton and His Orchestra speak to the struggles of a man during the Great Depression. The song reflects on a time when the singer followed the crowd and believed he was building a dream of peace and glory. However, as the reality of the Depression set in, he was left waiting in line for bread. The singer reflects on his past accomplishments, such as building railroads and towers, but realizes that those accomplishments are now meaningless.
The second half of the song describes the singer's experience as a soldier during World War I. He remembers how he and his fellow soldiers looked "swell" in their khaki suits before being sent to the horrors of the front lines. The song ends with the singer appealing to his former comrades and fellow citizens to spare a dime and help him during this difficult time.
Overall, "You" is a poignant commentary on the devastating effects of the Great Depression on ordinary people. The song vividly captures the feelings of desperation and hopelessness that many Americans experienced during this time.
Line by Line Meaning
They used to tell me I was building a dream
People used to encourage me to pursue my dreams
And so I followed the mob
I went along with the crowd
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
Whenever there was physical work or fighting to be done
I was always there right on the job
I was always ready to work hard and do my part
With peace and glory ahead
There was hope for a better future
Why should I be standing in line
Why should I be waiting in line for basic necessities?
Just waiting for bread?
Just waiting for food?
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
I built a successful railroad
Made it race against time
I made it run as fast as possible
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
The railroad is now completed and operational
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Can you help me out with some money?
Once I built a tower up to the sun
I built a tall tower
Brick and rivet and lime
I used bricks, rivets, and lime to construct it
Once I built a tower, now it's done
The tower is now completed
Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell
We looked good in our military uniforms
Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dum
Full of patriotism and enthusiasm
Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell
Many soldiers suffered and sacrificed during war
And I was the kid with the drum
I was a drummer boy in the military
Say, don't you remember, they called me "Al"
Do you remember when people used to call me "Al"?
It was "Al" all the time
Everyone used to call me "Al"
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal
Why don't you remember me? We're friends
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
Hey friend, can you help me out with some money?
Oh, say, don't you remember, they called me "Al"
Oh, do you remember when people used to call me "Al"?
Once in khaki suits, ah gee we looked swell
We looked good in our military uniforms
Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dum
Full of patriotism and enthusiasm
Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell
Many soldiers suffered and sacrificed during war
And I was the kid with the drum
I was a drummer boy in the military
Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal
Hey, don't forget that we're friends
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Can you help me out with some money?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Jay Gorney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind