Many thanks, this was my father's favourite tune, he was in WW2 and was aware of the deep meaning and would sing it at New Year for me as a special treat - his name was Al too like in the song. I'd not heard this wonderful version before, we had the Crosby version on a 78, who my dad wasn't keen on, he preferred Al Bowlly. Abbey Lincoln is superb.
Lyrics: They used to tell me I was building a dream And so I followed the mob When their was earth to plow or guns to bear I was always their 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 sloggin' 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 Say buddy, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits, ah gee we looked swell Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dum Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell And I was the kid with the drum Oh, 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
This must be quite a few years ago, looks like Steve Coleman playing alto sax and much younger than he is now. There is a beautiful version with Stan Getz and Hank Jones which is the greatest rendition of this song I've ever heard. On this clip Abbey flubs the lyrics a few times, not sure how into the performance she was feeling.
