The Banner of Labor

Oh, say can you hear, Coming near and more near, The call now resounding: Come all ye who labor? The Industrial band, Throughout all the land Bid toilers, remember Each toiler his neighbor. Come, workers, unite! ‘Tis Humanity’s fight. We call, you come forth In your manhood and might.

And the Banner of Labor Will surely soon wave O’er the land that is free From the master and slave. The blood and the lives Of children and wives Are ground into dollars For parasites’ pleasure; The children now slave, Till they sink in their grave That robbers may fatten And add to their treasure. Will you idly sit by, Unheeding their cry? Arise! Be ye men! See, the battle draws nigh!

And the Banner of Labor Will surely soon wave O’er the land that is free From the master and slave. Long, long has the spoil Of labor and toil Been wrung from the workers By parasite classes; While Poverty gaunt, Desolation and Want Have dwelt in the bowels Of earth’s toiling masses. Through bloodshed and tears, Our day star appears, Industrial Union, The wage slave now cheers.

And the Banner of Labor Will surely soon wave O’er the land that is free From the master and slave.