A common union hymn written by Ralph Chaplin for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), calling for the “strength in numbers” mentality.
Pete Seeger’s version is known for cutting the two most radical verses from the original Ralph Chaplin anthem, and for that reason is used often by moderate i...
[Chorus]
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
[Verse 1]
When the union's inspiration through the workers' blood shall run
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one
But the union makes us strong
[Chorus]
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
[Verse 2]
It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid;
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made;
But the union makes us strong
[Chorus]
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
[Verse 3]
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong
[Chorus]
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
[Verse 4]
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold
Greater than the might of armies, magnified a thousand-fold
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong
[Chorus]
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
Solidarity Forever was written by Ralph Chaplin.
Pete Seeger released Solidarity Forever on Sat Jan 01 1955.