There Is Power In A Union
Billy Bragg
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There is power in a factory, power in the land Power in the hand of the worker But it all amounts to nothing If together we don't stand There is power in a Union Now the lessons of the past Were all learned with workers' blood The mistakes of the bosses we must pay for From the factories and the farmlands To trenches full of mud War's always been the bosses' way, sir The Union forever defending our rights Down with the blackleg, all workers unite With our brothers and our sisters From many far off lands There is power in a Union I long for the morning that they realize Brutality and unjust laws cannot defeat us But who'll defend the workers who cannot organise When the bosses send their lackeys out to cheat us? Money speaks for money The Devil for his own Who comes to speak for the skin and the bone? What a comfort to the widow A light to the child There is power in a Union The Union forever defending our rights Down with the blackleg, all workers unite With our brothers and our sisters Together we will stand There is power in a Union There is power in a Union
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Stephen William Bragg
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Genre Classification"There Is Power in a Union" by Billy Bragg is classified as Folk and Political music. It has elements of rock and folk punk, demonstrating Bragg's knack for combining traditional musical styles with modern sentiments.
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Album DetailsThe song first appeared on Bragg's 1986 album "Talking with the Taxman about Poetry". This was his third album, following "Life’s a Riot with Spy vs Spy" (1983) and "Brewing Up with Billy Bragg" (1984).
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Song's ThemeThe song is a pro-union anthem, emphasizing the effectiveness of collective bargaining and the importance of solidarity among workers.
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Musical Style"There Is Power in a Union" shows Bragg’s distinctive blend of rock and folk music, paired with politicized lyrics. His music often showcases his electric guitar playing and solo vocal style.
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Song InspirationThe song is inspired by an old labour movement song of the same name, originally written by Joe Hill in 1913, a Swedish-American labor activist, songwriter, and member of the Industrial Workers of the World.
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Song RecognitionThe Guardian, a British newspaper, listed "There Is Power in a Union" as one of the '1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear'. This highlights its cultural significance and influence.
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Live Performance TraditionsOften when performing the song live, Bragg substitutes the lyrics, reflecting on ongoing labor disputes or other current events to keep the message of the song relevant and powerful.
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Influence on Other ArtistsThe song has also been a popular cover choice for other artists such as The Dropkick Murphys, The Flaming Lips, and others, signifying its impact across music genres.
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Career Impact"There Is Power in a Union" helped solidify Bragg's reputation as a politically conscious songwriter and a passionate advocate for workers' rights.
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Global SignificanceAlthough it is a British song, it has resonated worldwide. It articulates the concerns and struggles of workers everywhere and has become a global anthem for labor movements.
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Citation
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"There Is Power In A Union Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8669067/Billy+Bragg/There+Is+Power+In+A+Union>.
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