"Solidarity Forever", written by Ralph Chaplin in 1915, is perhaps the most famous union anthem. It is sung to the tune of "John Brown's Body". Although it was written as a song for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), other union movements have adopted the song as their own. The song has been performed in recent years by musicians such as the late Utah Phillips, and was redone by Emcee Lynx and The Nightwatchman. It is still commonly sung at union meetings and rallies.
SOLIDARITY FOR EVER & SOLIDARIDAD PARA SIEMPRE
(Lyrics in English and Spanish)
Solidarity Forever. Solidarity Forever. Solidarity Forever
For the union makes us strong
When the union’s inspiration
through the workers blood
shall run
There can be no power greater
anywhere beneath the sun
For what force on earth is
weaker
than the feeble strength of
one
But the union makes us strong
CHORUS
It is we who ploughed the prairies;
built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops;
endless miles of railroad laid.
Now we stand outcast and starving,
’midst the wonders we have made;
But the Union makes us strong.
It is we who ploughed the prairies;
built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops;
endless miles of railroad laid.
Now we stand outcast and starving,
’midst the wonders we have made;
But the Union makes us strong.
CHORUS
