I first heard this version on a Double LP of The Weaver's
Greatest Hits. This is definitely the right key, but to
really match Pete Seeger on the record (and to make it
a little more fun to play), throw a capo on the fifth
fret and transpose down five half-steps so everything
is based around an E minor shape.
Intro Am E7 E7 E7
Am Dm6 E E7
They used to tell me I was building a dream
Am Dm6
And so I followed the mob.
Am Dm6
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear,
E E7
I was always there, right on the job...
Am Dm6 E E7
They used to tell me I was building a dream
Am Dm6
With peace and glory ahead
Am Am/C E Am Dm6 E Dm6
Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?
Am E7 A7
Once I built a railroad, made it run,
D G7 C E7
Made it race against time;
Dm/F E7 Am F7
Once I build a railroad -- now it's done.
Dm6 E7 Am
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Am E7 A7
Once I built a tower to the sun,
D G7 C E7
Brick and rivet and lime;
Dm/F E7 Am F7
Once I build a tower -- now it's done.
Dm6 E7 Am
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Bridge:
A7
Once, in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell,
Gm6 A7
Full of that Yankee Doodle de-dum;
D7
Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell --
Am F7 E7
I was the kid with the drum.
Am E7 A7
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al?
D G7 C E7
It was Al all the time.
Dm/F E7 Am F7
Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal.
Dm6 E7 E7+5 Am
Buddy can you spare a dime?
