Rapid Response Choir

Which Side Are You On?

Performance hints: Pitch: D "Come"

Original Union Verses

Come ALL of you good workers
Good news to you I'll tell
Of how that good old union
Has come in here to dwell

[Chorus]
Which side are you on? [x4]

My daddy was a miner
And I'm a miner's son
And I'll stick with the union
Till every battle's won … Chorus

They say in Harlan County
There are no neutrals there
You'll either be a union man
Or a thug for J.H. Blair … Chorus

Oh, workers can you stand it?
Oh, tell me how you can
Will you be a lousy scab
Or will you be a man? … Chorus

Don't scab for the bosses
Don't listen to their lies
Us poor folks haven't got a chance
Unless we organize … Chorus

\

Alternate verses

Come ALL of you good people
Good news to you I'll tell
Of how this good old country
Has come in here to dwell

[Chorus]
Which side are you on? [x4]

My parents both were fighters
And I'm a fighter too
And I'll stick with equality
Till every battle's won ... Chorus

They say in this great country
There is democracy
You'll either be for justice
Or a thug for tyranny ... Chorus

Don't bend down for the bosses
You can save some lives
Us common folks don't have a chance
Unless we organize ... Chorus

Avelo

Oh Avelo, can you stand it
Oh tell me how you can
Will you be compliant
Or will you take a stand? ... Chorus

Avelo was an airline, But their soul they did sell
They shackle up their passengers,
And fly them straight to hell … Chorus

Guitar Chords
Am – Em Am/Em Am E Am//Am – E Am

Credits: Florence Reece
Notes: Select the verses that are appropriate for the event (or make up new ones). This song originated from a 1931 protest against the violent actions of coal company thugs hired by mine owners to intimidate union organizers during the Harlan County War in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of union organizer Sam Reece, the song became a rallying cry for the labor movement and has since been adapted for various social justice causes, including the Civil Rights Movement.