There is power in a factory, power in the land Power in the hands of a worker But it all amounts to nothing if together we don't stand There is power in a union - There is Power in a Union, Billy Bragg
Whatever way you will be celebrating it (perhaps at a march or rally) here is a playlist of eight great union/worker's songs to help to put you in the mood of the day!
Deportees - Paddy Reilly
Solidarity with immigrants everywhere. Borders were created simply to divide the world's people. They are the arbitrary instruments of violence, nationalism and oppression.
When you hear a politician talking the racist and anti-immigrant talk, remember this Woody Guthrie classic. This version shows the internationalism of its message sung by an Irish folk singer.
Talking Union - Pete Seeger (1941)
"If you wait for the bosses to raise your pay you will all be waiting for the Judgement Day"
We Rise Again - Anne Murray, Rita MacNeil & the Rankin Family
We will always rise again. No matter the odds. We will rise again.
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Joe Hill - Bruce Springsteen
Joe Hill. American hero. Here The Boss does him justice.
Which Side Are You On? - Dropkick Murphys
A great version of a union classic. Which side are you on? Because if you are voting for do-nothing "progressive" politicians or are celebrating Justin Trudeau or Hillary Clinton those lines may have become blurred in your mind.
Bread & Roses - Queen Cee
A stunning version of one of the great cries for justice and freedom ever sung or written.
Solidarity Forever - Utah Phillips
A moving rendition of the great classic. Solidarity Forever! The Union Makes Us Strong!
There is Power in a Union - Billy Bragg
Bragg's classic union anthem.
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And a final song...we shall overcome, someday. Deep in my heart I do believe this and I hope you do too.
Whatever way you will be celebrating it (perhaps at a march or rally) here is a playlist of five great revolutionary songs to help to put you in the mood of the day!
The Incomparable Paul Robeson sings "Joe Hill"
The great song about the murdered American IWW hero, Joe Hill, sung by another American hero, the towering performer and Communist Paul Robeson.
The Red Flag - Billy Bragg
As hard as it is to believe now, Labour Party MPs in the UK used to sing this from time-to-time in parliament! Here the iconic British socialist singer Billy Bragg covers it.
The Red Army Choir Sings "La Marseillaise"!
It may be the French National Anthem...but it is also one of the great revolutionary songs! Here the USSR's Red Army Choir do a rousing rendition.
"Do You Hear the People Sing" from Les Miserables
Yes -- I know -- it is from a musical. But I love musicals, and this is every bit as rousing as many "legitimate" revolutionary songs...so...
Alistair Hulett and Jimmy Gregory sing "The Internationale"
This particular version is so beautiful -- so stirring -- that it surely ranks as one of the great performances of this greatest of all worker's classics ever.
