Verse: They used to tell me I was building a dream,
And so I followed the mob.
When there was earth to plough or guns to bear,
I was always there right on the job.
They used to tell me I was building a dream
With peace and glory ahead.
Why should I be standing in line
Just waiting for bread?

Chorus: Once I built a railroad, made it run,
Made it race against time.
Once I built a railroad, now it’s done;
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower to the sun, brick and rivet and lime.
Once I built a tower, now it’s done;
Brother, can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell,
Full of that Yankee Doodle–de–dum
Half a million boots went sloggin’ through Hell,
I was the kid with the drum.
Say, don’t you remember, they called me “Al,”
It was “Al” all the time.
Say, don’t you remember, I’m your pal!
Buddy, can you spare a dime?