Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees Lyrics
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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
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-dumb
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-dumb
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 "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" are a poignant depiction of the devastating effects of the Great Depression on the working-class people who built America. The song tells the story of a man who believed in the American Dream and worked tirelessly to contribute to the country's growth, only to be left penniless and forgotten when the economy collapsed. The first stanza sets the scene, with the singer reminiscing on his past efforts to build railroads and towers, while serving his country in wartime. In the chorus, he questions why he should wait in line for bread when he was promised peace and glory.
The second verse further emphasizes the hardships of unemployment, as the singer reflects on how he used to look "swell" in his military uniform, along with half a million other soldiers who fought in World War I. But now, the war has ended, and these men are left to trudge through the mire of economic hardship. In the final lines, the singer pleads with his fellow citizens to remember him, to remember that he was once "Al" and that they were once pals.
Line by Line Meaning
They used to tell me I was building a dream
People used to say that I was working hard to achieve a better future.
And so I followed the mob
I went along with what everyone else was doing.
When their was earth to plow or guns to bear
Whenever there was work to be done or a battle to fight,
I was always their right on the job
I was always there to lend a helping hand.
With peace and glory ahead
I thought I was building a better world.
Why should I be standing in line
But now why am I standing in a long line
Just waiting for bread?
Just waiting for food?
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
I used to build railroads that were efficient and ran on time.
Made it race against time
I was committed to making trains run quickly and efficiently.
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
But now that work is finished and I am not sure what to do.
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Can you help me out with some money?
Once I built a tower up to the sun
I used to build tall buildings that reached towards the sky.
Brick and rivet and lime
With bricks and metal and cement.
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Now that work is finished and I could use your help.
Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell
I thought we looked great in our military uniforms.
Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dumb
Proud to be Americans and full of enthusiasm.
Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell
We went through terrible struggles in war.
And I was the kid with the drum
I was just an innocent kid playing the drums.
Say, don't you remember, they called me "Al"
Remember when everyone knew me as "Al"?
It was "Al" all the time
That was my name and everyone called me that.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal
Don't forget that we used to be good friends.
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
Hey friend, can you give me some money?
Oh, say, don't you remember, they called me "Al"
Remember when everyone knew me as "Al"?
It was "Al" all the time
That was my name and everyone called me that.
Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal
We used to be really close, don't forget that.
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
Can you lend me some money my friend?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Jay Gorney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JohnDonovanProductions
I don’t know about you… But I’m surprised this song didn’t experience a large resurgence in 2020. Because whether it was all of the documentaries that I watched, or the general sentiment of the song… But this is the Covid pandemic’s anthem!
@betterthananimals6996
I own this record. Haven't been able to find it. I've been looking for this for 5 years!!
@bixby9797
From my home town. Thank you Rudy
@askovarjorinne9074
So sad story!! 🤧🤧💦💦
@lynnlobliner3933
A bit perky for the subject matter. He could still sing it the same way if the music had been a bit less perky. Jolson's and Crosby's had better intro music. The first time I heard this was around 1970, by Chad Mitchell. How little I actually knew about the Depression.
@vinniemcclung693
You are crazy this version is way better
@robinfeigelman9728
@vinnie McClung I was raised by 2 'Depression Era babies' so I heard this song since I was a child. I have listened to every version that is available and George Michael blows them all away.