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Times were tough everywhere in America, though the struggles differed from area to area. As dust storms and poverty swept the countryside and 'hoovervilles' sprang up in every city, Bing Crosby captured the desperation of this time in 'Brother Can You Spare A Dime'. Written in 1930 by E. Y. Harburg, the lyrics sum up the feeling of broken promises in phrases such as 'Once I built a tower, now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime?' So many worked hard to achieve the American dream, but no matter how hard they worked, they were rewarded only by poverty and hardship. People turned to their family and friends, just like in the phrase 'Why don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?', but nobody had money to share. This sad tune seems to sum up the depression through musical notes.
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"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?