1931
Which Side Are You On?
| Tune: | Lay the Lily Low or Jack Munro |
| Lyrics: | Florence Reece |
Original (see also Billy Bragg’s version, 1984)
Which side are you on boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on boys?
Which side are you on?
They say in Harlan County
There are no neutrals there.
You’ll either be a union man
Or a thug for J. H. Blair.
Which side, &c.
My dady was a miner,
And I’m a miner’s son,
He’ll be with you fellow workers
Until this battle’s won.
Which side, &c.
Oh workers can you stand it?
Oh tell me how you can?
Will you be a lousy scab
Or will you be a man?
Which side, &c.
Come all you good workers,
Good news to you I’ll tell
Of how the good old union
Has come in here to dwell.
Which side, &c.
Originally written in support of a miners’ strike in Kentucky and set to the tune of a Baptist hymn, this song has become a standard for protest all over the world. Billy Bragg released a version to coincide with the UK miners’ strike of 1984–5. The question posed by its title and chorus is intended to strengthen the resolve of those committed to the cause and to trouble the conscience of those tempted to cross the picket line.
| Cause: | Socialist | Anti-racist | Anti-capitalist |
| Theme: | Impact of Change | Rights |