Brother, can you spare a dime?

This classic song of the Great Depression isn't performed much any more but this morning on NPR I heard the best version I've ever heard. It was sung acapella by veteran reporter Daniel Schorr, who turns 92 in August. He sang it to illustrate what the Great Depression was about (with the subtext we may be heading there again). Straight-forward, moving -- I was blown away. Listen to Daniel Schorr.


Thoughts of the Depression reminded me of Cradle Will Rock, an extraordinary movie about the Federal Writers Project of the time, a film that didn't do very well (naturally) but is first rate at every level. Haven't seen it for a while, just ordered it at Netflix.

"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime," lyrics by Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931)

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 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, 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 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? Buddy, 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 drum!

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?