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 right there 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 its 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 Doodle Dee Dum
Half a million boots went through 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
Say, buddy, can you spare a dime?