Lyrics Brother, Can You Spare a Dime - Live - Al Jolson

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, 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 to the sun
Brick, mortar 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 marching through hell
And I was the kid with the drum

Say, don't you remember they called me Al?
It was Al, Al all the time
Say, don't you remember I'm your pal?
Brother, can you spare a dime?

Once I built a railroad, I made it run
And I made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
Hey, brother, ain't got a dime about you, have you?

And once I built a tower, yes, a tower to the sun
Of brick, mortar, and lime
Yes, I'm the fella who built a tower, and now it's done
Hey, buddy, ain't got a dime about you, have you?

Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that yankee-doodly-dum
Half a million boots went marching through Hell
And I was the kid with the drum

Say, don't you remember, don't you remember they called me Al?
It was Al, Al all the time
Don't you remember I'm your pal?
Brother, can you spare a dime?