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There Is Power in a Union (by Joe Hill)

from American History through Song (Vol. 1) by Jim Knable

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about

I first performed this song for the Gilder Lehrman History School in my course American History through Song in the summer of 2020. I enjoyed performing it so much, I wanted to share it and encourage a singalong. Tip of the hat to Joe Hill, wherever he is.

lyrics

Would you have freedom from wage slavery,
Then join in the grand Industrial band;
Would you from mis’ry and hunger be free,
Then come! Do your share, lend a hand.

CHORUS
There is pow’r, there is pow’r
In a band of workingmen,
When they stand hand in hand,
That’s a pow’r, that’s a pow’r
That must rule in every land-
One Industrial Union Grand.

Would you have mansions of gold in the sky,
And live in a shack, way in the back?
Would you have wings up in heaven to fly,
And starve here with rags on your back?

If you’ve had “nuff” of “the blood of the lamb,”
Then join in the grand Industrial band;

If, for a change, you would have eggs and ham,
Then come, do your share, lend a hand.

If you like sluggers to beat off your head,
Then don’t organize, all unions despise,
If you want nothing before you are dead,
Shake hands with your boss and look wise.

Come, all ye workers, from every land,
Come, join in the grand Industrial band,
Then we our share of this earth shall demand.
Come on! Do your share, lend a hand.

credits

from American History through Song (Vol. 1), released July 23, 2020

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Jim Knable and The Randy Bandits New York

Jim Knable plays with and without various incarnations of The Randy Bandits, formed in 2002, but if he plays with a band, it always ends up being The Randy Bandits, despite the occasionally misleading billing. Studio albums: BLUE REUNION (2020), GOLDEN ARROW (2009), REDBEARD (2006), GREEN MAN (2007-18) form the core of Jim Knable's songwriting output, but the crust is also worth exploring. ... more

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