“The Middle Class” Sheet Music (pdf).
“The Middle Class” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Bouck White.
Tune: “Annie Laurie.”
Give, O middle class, attention:
In raiment clean, you’re clad,
And you look with condescension
On worker garments sad.
You think to climb on high
To the master class so grand,
But your doom is drawing nigh:
They will crush you ’neath their hand.
There’s a struggle hourly growing;
The lines become distinct
For ’tis self-respect we’re sowing
Lest manhood be extinct.
’Tis a fight all o’er the world
Twixt the idler and the slave,
And God’s mandate now is hurled,
“Will you be a man or knave?”
O, neutrality is folly;
Two horses you’ll not ride.
Poverty’s dull melancholy
Is crouching at your side.
Brain-workers all now hear:
You are toilers, and you’re poor.
Come with us, a volunteer,
For our victory is sure.