Put the Coins on His Eyes

[Verse 1]
When an ancient hero passed
Oh, a boat would meet him there
His friends would pay the boatman's fare
Every drachma they could spare

[Verse 2]
We are gathered here today
By our union brother's side
May we speed his final ride
For his soul was dearly tried

[Chorus]
When he dies, when he dies
Put the coins on his eyes
In a fine suit, neatly pressed
Let the man get some rest

[Verse 3]
When the Wagner Act was law
A better future was in sight
As a union we would fight
And the workers would unite

[Verse 4]
But when the bosses doubled down
Our friend would keep our spirits strong
Said we knew our right from wrong
To a family we belonged

[Chorus]
When he dies, when he dies
Put the coins on his eyes
In a fine suit, neatly pressed
Let the man get some rest

[Bridge]
The strikes and marches we planned
We'd sit in, we would stand
Side by side we ever will
In this country we have built

[Violin Solo]

[Verse 5]
Let us give an extra dime
To the boatman below
Down in Hades we know
That the company owns his soul

[Verse 6]
He'll be lonesome as he rows
With his weary, calloused hands
Never march or take a stand
Never be a union man

[Chorus]
When he dies, when he dies
Put the coins on his eyes
In a fine suit, neatly pressed
Let the man get some rest

[Outro]
Farewell, dear brother
Farewell, dear friend
Farewell, farewell