A New York State apple farmer in the lower Hudson Valley, Les Rice was also a one-time president of the Ulster County NY Farmer’s Union. Being caught in the usual squeeze between the big companies that sold him his supplies and equipment and the big companies who set prices for his crop, he saw the issues first from that perspective, but then went on to make the connections to the struggles of all workers. First recorded by Pete Seeger, this song became very popular among union members around the country, and was printed in the IWW’s Little Red Songbook in the 35th edition, 1984
lyrics
I've traveled ‘round this country From shore to shining shore.
It really made me wonder
Why some are rich and others poor
I saw the weary farmer, Plowing sod and loam;
I heard the auction hammer A knocking down his home.
But the banks are made of marble,
With a guard at every door,
And the vaults are stuffed with silver, That the farmer sweated for.
I saw the seaman standing Idly by the shore.
I heard the bosses saying,
Got no work for you no more.
But the banks are made of marble, With a guard at every door,
And the vaults are stuffed with silver, That the seaman sweated for.
I saw the weary miner,
Scrubbing coal dust from his back, I heard his children cryin',
Got no coal to heat the shack.
But the banks are made of marble, With a guard at every door,
And the vaults are stuffed with silver, That the miner sweated for.
I've seen my people working Throughout this mighty land; I knew we'd get together, And together make a stand.
Then we'd own those banks of marble, And we’d open every door;
And we'd share those vaults of silver, That we all have sweated for.
credits
from When We Stand Together,
released July 23, 2022
words and music by Les Rice
Adapted by Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino
The James Connolly Upstate NY IWW branch is a union for all workers based in NY. Musicians and other workers wishing to
organize can find us here upstatenyiww.wordpress.com/contact/
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