Also sung as «Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?«, is one of the best-known American songs of the Great Depression.
Written in 1931 by lyricist E. Y. «Yip» Harburg and composer Jay Gorney, «Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?» was part of the 1932 musical New Americana; the melody is based on a Russian lullaby Gorney heard as a child.
It became best known through recordings by Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee. Both versions were released right before Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s election to the presidency and both became number one hits on the charts.
Dr. John and Odetta created a powerful epic of the down-and-out in their contribution to John Campbell’s 1992 album: ‘STRIKE A DEEP CHORD: Blues Guitars For The Homeless.’
• Click pic for lyrics explanation →
◊ Rudy Vallee ↓
They used to tell me I was building a dream – And so I followed the mob When there was earth to plow or guns to bearI 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 just waiting for bread? 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 slogging through Hell – And I was the kid with the drumSay, 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?
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