Billy Bragg - Rich Men Earning North of a Million

Since I saw that clip of Oliver Anthony singing his song 'Rich Men North of Richmond', the ghost of Woody Guthrie has been whispering in my ear. "Help that guy out" Woody keeps telling me "Let him know there's a way to deal with those problems he's singing about". So today I sat down and wrote this response to Mr Anthony's song, for people like him and people like you.

If you’re selling your soul, working all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay Nothing’s gonna change if all you do Is wish you could wake up and it not be true

Join a union, fight for better pay Join a union, brother, organise today

You’ll see where the problem really lies When the union comes around: Rich men earning north of a million Wanna keep the working folk down Wanna keep the working folk down

If you form a union, you’ll soon find That working people are all of one kind So we ain’t gonna punch down on those who need A bit of understanding and some solidarity

That ain’t right, friend

If you’re struggling with your health, putting on the pounds Doctor gives you opiates to help you get around Wouldn’t it be better for folks like you and me If medicine was subsidised and healthcare was free

Join a union, fight for better pay Join a union, sister, organise today

It comes down to the self same thing If you’re black or white or brown: Rich men earning north of a million Wanna keep the working folk down Wanna keep the working folk down

We know your culture wars are there to distract While libertarian billionaires avoid paying tax You want to talk about bathrooms while the flood waters rise, The forest is on fire and the wind burns our eyes

Something’s wrong here

They want to divide us, because together we’re strong, Are you gonna take action now you’ve sung your damn song? If you don’t like the rich man having total control, You better get the union to roll

Join a union, fight for better pay Join a union, organise today

Don’t matter if you live in the city Or some little country town Rich men earning north of a million Rich men earning north of a million Rich men earning north of a million Wanna keep the working folk down Wanna keep the working folk down

If you’re selling your soul, working all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay Join a union