Happy Labour Day!

[cathrowan]

I prefer Utah Phillips' version of the Joe Hill song, as it's gender-neutral.

Oh, would you have freedom from wage slavery?
Then come join the grand Industrial band
Would you from misery and hunger be free?
Come on, do your share, lend a hand

There is power, there is power in a band of working folks
When they stand hand in hand
That's a power, that's a power that must rule in every land:
One Industrial union grand

Comments

[oracne]

I like this version!

[loganberrybunny]

I didn't know that song (it's not well known in the UK) but having looked it up and listened, I agree, this version is nicer. The one thing that would improve it would be a replacement for "folks" that rhymed, or nearly so, with the other end words in that verse. Trouble is, I can't think of one. :/

[cathrowan]

I agree a rhyme would be nicer. Utah's version subs in "folks" everywhere Joe Hill wrote "man," so I am willing to take it.

I would be happy to brainstorm with you about finding an alternate noun that rhymes!

[loganberrybunny]

I've been trying to shuffle the word order so that "band" ends the line, since I think that's a close enough rhyme. I can't get it to scan well, though. Something like:

There is power, there is power in the working folks' [-] band.

I don't know what could go in the "[-]" slot.