History

history Music/Poetry:One of the most famous, and evocative, songs of the Great Depression was “Brother, Can you Spare a Dime,” lyrics by Yip Harbug, music by Jay Gorney (1931), recorded by many, most famously by Bing Crosby. (See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eih67rlGNhU)

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?

Lyrics to Troubled Land :

(John Mellencamp) (See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTLDNcak67w)

Well there's a pain in my side

But I keep traveling on

Bring peace to this troubled land

It's dark out here

I can't read those signs

Bring peace to the troubled land

Hurricane on the horizon

Judgment getting closer all the time

I can't find tomorrow

Bring peace to this troubled land

Well there's two men a walking

Down the same dirty road

Bring peace to this troubled land

They stand shoulder to shoulder

Carrying the same heavy...