“That Old Red Button” Sheet Music (pdf).
“That Old Red Button” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Richard Brazier.
Tune: “Put on Your Old Gray Bonnet.”
Oh, it’s oft when I am walking, I have heard the workers talking
About the Industrial Union boys;
And in my travels all around, in and out about the town,
Their dope at last has made me wise;
As I listened to their speeches, in which they showed up those leeches,
Who are sucking blood from workers every day,
I determined then to kick in, and to give the boss a lickin’;
To myself, I then did say:
“I’ll wear that old, red button, the Industrial Workers’ button,
And I’ll help them out in the fray;
When the fight is over, I shall be in clover,
When we win the eight-hour day.”
And it’s now when I am walking, it is me that does the talking,
Since I joined this Union Grand;
And I speak out to the workers, to unite against the shirkers
And get in the industrial band;
And I say: “Let’s quit this piking; ’gainst our long hours, let’s be striking;
Organize for an eight-hour day.”
And the workers sure do listen, and their eyes with hope do glisten,
And together, they all say:
“I’ll wear that old, red button, the Industrial Workers’ button,
And I’ll help them out in the fray;
When the fight is over, I shall be in clover,
When we win the eight-hour day.”
“I’ll wear that old, red button, the Industrial Workers’ button,
And I’ll help them out in the fray;
When the fight is over, I shall be in clover,
When we win the eight-hour day.”