April 9, 2024 / By Aida Dyer
The Meaning Behind The Song: Brother – Can You Spare a Dime? by Bing Crosby
The song Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? was released in 1932 and quickly became one of the most popular songs of the Great Depression era. Written by Jay Gorney and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, the song is a heartfelt plea from a struggling American worker to his former employer, who now appears to be living a life of luxury.
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The lyrics of the song are a vivid description of the harsh realities of the Great Depression, with lines such as “Once I built a railroad, made it run, made it race against time” painting a picture of a once proud, hardworking labor force that has now fallen on hard times. The worker in the song is left with nothing but memories of his past accomplishments, and a feeling of betrayal by those who have profited from his labor.
The chorus of the song is a powerful cry for help from the worker, as he asks “Brother, can you spare a dime?” The phrase “spare a dime” quickly became synonymous with the desperate plight of the poor during the Great Depression, and has since become a cultural reference point for any period of great economic hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brother – Can You Spare a Dime?
1. Who originally recorded the song?
The song was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1932, and quickly became one of his most popular recordings.
2. What inspired the writing of the song?
The song was inspired by the economic hardships of the Great Depression, and was meant to capture the feelings of desperation and hopelessness felt by millions of Americans during that time.
3. What is the meaning behind the title “Brother, can you spare a dime?”
The title is a reference to the fact that during the Great Depression, a dime was a significant amount of money for many people, and the phrase “spare a dime” became a common plea for help from those in need.
4. What impact did the song have on society during the Great Depression?
The song became an anthem for those struggling through the Great Depression, and helped to bring attention to the plight of the poor and working class.
5. Was the song controversial at the time of its release?
Yes, the song was considered controversial by many, as it was seen as a call to revolution and a critique of the capitalist system.
6. Has the song been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Judy Collins, George Michael, and Tom Waits.
7. What kind of impact did the song have on the career of Bing Crosby?
The song helped to solidify Crosby’s role as one of the most popular singers of his time, and also cemented his reputation as a socially conscious and politically aware performer.
8. What message does the song have for modern audiences?
The message of the song, which is a call for empathy and solidarity with those in need, is just as relevant today as it was during the Great Depression.
9. What other songs from the Great Depression era are similar in theme to Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
Other songs from the era that deal with similar themes include Woody Guthrie’s This Land is Your Land and Tom Joad by Woody Guthrie.
10. What impact did the song have on the music industry as a whole?
The song helped to elevate the status of music as a form of political and social commentary, and paved the way for later protest songs and politically charged music.
11. What elements of the song make it such an enduring classic?
The song’s powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and evocative imagery have helped to make it a timeless classic that resonates with listeners across generations.
12. How has the song been used in popular culture?
The song has been featured in a number of films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, and continues to be a cultural touchstone for conversations about social justice and economic inequality.
