Politics

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night....

Learn Politics on mps-politics.com. I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night.... article will help answer your questions on Politics.We at mps-politics.com specialize in Politics. Politics at mps-politics.com provides the most up to date news and articles. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

It's hard for an old hippie/freak like me not to attach some significance to this - it takes us back to the beginning of the culture wars, which began as an attempt by the right to roll back the cultural changes of the 60s and early 70s. There is a powerful temptation to see a symbol of the wheel turning, of ideals reborn. Or to mourn the passing of a generation (or a century) and its ideals of peace, freedom, justice and equality.

But it signifies a great deal more than that - the man and the song take us back to the workers' struggles of the early and mid twentieth century.

Joe Hill came to the US from Sweden, and joined the Wobblies (the Industrial Workers of the World) in 1910. He was a campaigner and songwriter for working class causes who in 1914 was framed on a murder charge during free speech protests in Utah. Despite appeals from US President Wilson and the Swedish government, he was executed on November 19th 1915. 30,000 people attended his funeral procession in Chicago.

The song Joe Hill was written at Camp Unity in the summer of 1936 to celebrate Joe and his songs. Camp Unity was an interracial, socialist adult camp established in New York State which I believe lasted for about 20 years.

The song found its way across the world and was translated into over a dozen languages - it was sung on picket lines and was taken to Spain during the Civil War against Franco's fascists by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade.

So as we look at the ruins of the twentieth century's hopes and dreams, in a world increasingly run by religious fanatics and their militarist allies - remember what Joe Hill said: 'Don't waste time mourning, organize!'

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night Alive as you and me Says I, 'But Joe, you're ten years dead,' 'I never died,' says he, 'I never died,' says he.

'In Salt Lake, Joe, by God,' says I Him standing by my bed, 'They framed you on a murder charge.' Says Joe, 'But I ain't dead,' says Joe, 'But I ain't dead.'

'The copper bosses shot you, Joe, They killed you, Joe,' says I. 'Takes more than guns to kill a man,' Says Joe, 'I didn't die,' says Joe, 'I didn't die.'

And standing there as big as life And smiling with his eyes Joe says, 'What they forgot to kill Went on to organize, went on to organize.'

'Joe Hill ain't dead,' he says to me, 'Joe Hill ain't never died. Where workingmen are out on strike Joe Hill is at their side, Joe Hill is at their side.'

'From San Diego up to Maine In every mine and mill Where workers strike and organize,' Says he, 'You'll find Joe Hill,' says he, 'You'll find Joe Hill.'

Lyrics as recorded by Earl Robinson, Reeves Sound Studios, New York, NY, Jan 8, 1940 (original issue: Timely 503-A); as reprinted in Ronald D. Cohen & Dave Samuelson, liner notes for 'Songs for Political Action,' Bear Family Records BCD 15720 JL, 1996, p. 72. © 1938, Leeds Music, Inc., New York, NY


Online Businesses That Works. - Build your Online Business that makes more money than you ever dreamed possible!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Many U.S. Republicans may have growing concerns about their presidential front-runner Mitt Romney, but no one is pushing the panic button - yet.

More Articles: