Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips
Created by the IWW in 1908 and adopted by it’s Spokane branch, this song was later covered by renowned folk singer Utah Phillips. Aside from the original folk song, Utah inserts some personal stories where he talks about the FBI reading through his mail and a socratic debate with a neighbor.
[Verse 1]
Well, why don't ya work like other folks do?
How can I get a job when you're holding down two?
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Verse 2]
Oh, went to a house and I knocked on the door
The lady said scram bum you've been here before
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Verse 3]
Yeah, I went to that house and I asked for some bread
The lady said scram bum the baker is dead
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Story Interlude]
[Verse 4]
Oh, I like my boss he's a good friend of mine
That's why I'm starving out on the bread line
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Verse 5]
And I like Jim Hill, he's a good friend of mine
Say that's why I'm moving down Jim Hill's mainline
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Story Interlude]
[Verse 6]
Oh, I went to a bar and I asked for a drink
He gave a glass and he showed me the sink
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Verse 7]
Whenever I get all the money I earn
The boss will be broke and to work he must turn
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
[Verse 8]
And why don't ya save all the money ya earn?
If I didn't eat I'd have money to burn
[Refrain]
Hallelujah, I'm a bum
Hallelujah, bum again
Hallelujah, give us a handout to revive us again
Hallelujah, I’m a Bum was written by Harry McClintock & John Jenkins Husband.
Hallelujah, I’m a Bum was produced by Gary Cristall.
Utah Phillips released Hallelujah, I’m a Bum on Sun Jan 01 1984.