As a help in that remembrance, I offer one of the best of the Labor songs, “Which Side Are You On?” This was written by Florence Reese in 1931. Mrs Reese was married to a union organizer, & the song was written after an evening in which she & her children were terrorized by deputies hired by mine owners in an attempt to intimidate the family. This version, with a powerful vocal by Natalie Merchant backed only by a banjo, is a moving rendition.
I’m often reminded of the saying painted as part of the mural on the side of the Anarchist Collective Bookshop in San Francisco: “History remembers two kinds of people, those who murder and those who fight back.” Please take a moment to contemplate the sacrifices made by those who have come before us.
A powerful piece of music indeed! I hadn't realized Natalie Merchant did a version. I first heard it sung by Pete Seeger (of course!) back in the '60s. And of course, because it was ol' Pete, we in the audience got to sing along on the chorus.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a message we need to hold up loud and strong in the public eye, given the attacks on what the labor movement achieved by the new conservative upsurge, including a hostile Supreme Court (see Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission). Things don't look good lately for the worker.
Hi Roy: Sadly, you are right, which made me want to post this even more. Natalie Merchant did a studio version on the House Carpenter's Daughter. Of course, Seeger's versions of this or any number of labor songs are all classics!
ReplyDeleteGood post there John and I love Natalie Merchant.It's a great song I first heard Billy Bragg sing in the 80's with altered lyrics but same powerful intent.Bueno!
ReplyDeleteHi TFE: I love her too! & she does a fabulous job with this song. I saw her just about a month ago performing in Washington state. She is such a remarkable & generous performer.
ReplyDeletesorry I don't know much about the Labor movement, unions, or this song. I may have to do more looking this weekend onto a topic that should mean more than "Back to School". Peace,
ReplyDeleteChris
Hi Chris: Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
ReplyDeleteI saw Joan B. sing "Joe Hill" a couple of years ago.Talk about about a bucket list achievement. Natalie is terrific here.
ReplyDeleteHi K: Glad you liked it--after seeing Merchant perform live, I'm 110% sold on her as a major, major talent. Sadly, I haven't seen Joan Baez--that would be well worth rectifying. I had a chance to see Rolling Thunder in 75 in Burlington, VT, but youthful foolishness got in the way--one of my big regrets in terms of missed shows.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably -- or so it seemed at the time -- the RTR came to San Antonio in '76. Youthfully foolish as I was, stayed in town until school closed to see them.
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