Here's a little story I heard relating to this song. Back in the heyday of the IWW, when the union went on strike somewhere the bosses would hire scabs from another city and bring them in by train. Then a few Wobblies would get on the train too, they would gather up the scabs and explain to them how scabbing was a really stupid thing to do and how they were ultimately shooting themselves in the foot by helping the bosses. Usually most of the scabs would see the light and join the union while the hopeless cases would be kicked off the train at some small station. And when they finally reached the city where the strike was going on they all would march to join the local union folk, and all would sing this song. Hearing "Hold the Fort" would strike despair into the hearts of bosses, as they would know the scabs they had paid for were now with the union. Anyway this is what I heard.
This has alway been one of my favorite Union songs. its so upbeat, and its just got this energy to it that can pull me right out of the old "its gonna be barbarism isnt it?" funk
This was beautiful, and it helped me realize the importance of those who either organize workers, or serve their communities as social workers. It helped me understand the role these paths play in revitalizing hope in the face of overwhelming force- Capitalism, whether a boot on a neck, or the threat of death over your head, will do whatever it can to drain the hope from those under its control. For if the worker were to believe when they stepped off the line that they would not be alone, then they would walk whatever distance required to find their freedom. The scariest moment many can imagine is that first step off that line- that moment when they feel either the firm bridge to the future built by their comrades, or the gapping nothing they plunge into without the support of their brothers and sisters.... For those who work with the many that stand on this knife's edge, it is not enough to agitate, educate, and organize- for these alone are not enough. In IWW we talk about out AEIOs and U's with the U often standing for "Union Strong." This is to remind organizers and workers alike that its not enough to know the right words or shout the right slogans- it takes people being there in the breach, in the gap, to hold up our fellow workers- and rekindle the flame of hope we'll use to light the fires of the sun that will shine on a new, and better year.
subscribed and liked! you should do piano/vocals of "Bankers and Bosses" here are the lyrics: 1. Banker and boss hate the workers who stand, Shoulder to shoulder in ev'ry land; Though in the conflict our martyrs may fall, Labor united will conquer all. Then hear the thunder of toiling masses, All creeds and colors, brain and brawn; United under the Socialist banner, Go marching forward to the dawn. 2. Not fear or fraud or a fever that fades, Wins for the workers "the barricades". Only a movement courageous and sane. Freedom and plenty and peace can gain. Then hear the thunder of toiling masses, All creeds and colors, brain and brawn; United under the Socialist banner, Go marching forward, then hear the dawn. it's to the tune of "Die Arbeiter von Wien" which is to the tune of "Red army is the strongest"
Hey Jack, I've been playing some of these songs myself for a while but since I'm not a piano genius like you I have to find or manually transcribe all the music I want. Since you don't seem very fond of piano sheets yourself (probably because it's an insult to your playing to have to defile your eyes with such a guide), I'd like it if your camera angle could be more clear about what notes you're playing? And have the overlay be a bit less thick? It makes it far easier to make sheets from your playing that way. Of course, it would be great if you could lay out the notes yourself, I'm sure your fancy-shmancy keyboard probably has some feature for that... probably, I wouldn't know since I only play on the real teeth.
Hey Jack, years-long fan here; have you ever thought of doing “Move on Over or We’ll Move on Over You”? it’s another song to the tune of John Brown’s Body, I had no idea it existed until recently and it’s a very powerful song- written by Len Chandler.
Attempt #2 of requesting “The Banner of Labor.” It’s an IWW version of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Link if anyone’s curious: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ic7cF7le8Ts.htmlsi=DPI5jBFMQ71OQkRc
