Songs of the Workers (15th edition)/When You Wear That Button

by Richard Brazier

WHEN YOU WEAR THAT BUTTON
(Tune: "When You Wore a Tulip")
By Richard Brazier

I met him in Dakota when the harvesting was o'er
A "Wob" he was, I saw by the button that he wore.
He was talking to a bunch of slaves in the jungles near the tracks;
He said "You guys whose homes are on your backs;
Why don't you stick together with the "Wobblies" in one band
And fight to change conditions for the workers in this land.

CHORUS

When you wear that button, the "Wobblies" red button
And carry their red, red card,
No need to hike, boys, along these old pikes, boys
Every "Wobbly" will be your pard.
The boss will be leery, the "stiffs" will be cheery
When we hit John Farmer hard
They'll all be affrighted. when we stand united
And carry that Red, Red Card.

The "stiffs" all seemed delighted, when they heard him talk that way.
They said, "We need more pay, and a shorter working day."
The "Wobbly" said "You'll get these things without the slightest doubt
If you'll organize to knock the bosses out.
If you'll join the One Big Union, and wear their badge of liberty
You'll strike that blow all slaves must strike if they would be free.