The American Folk Alliance ran a songwriting competition. The pitch was to write a song about the unionists Sacco & Vanzetti that is both historically accurate and relevant to modern times. This was my entry , and I'm happy to say it won. I got a check for $250. played on the same bill as Tom Rush, and had the song reach the ears of Joan Baez. Nice. Tom was super-nice. Joan's been a little busy.
lyrics
Though many tried your freedom for to gain
It was a nation scared. No reasons would they hear explained
And for your views you were accused, and murderers they had you called
And with sentence passed they finally did rest when you were dead and gone
When Sacco and Vanzetti we're gone.
Though you traveled far, your words have faded none
Though the voices of generations have come and gone
Though they stole the breath from flesh and bone, your voices for to quell
Well they tried and failed. Your words still prevail. We're keeping them alive and well.
We're keeping them alive and well.
For today the migrant workers sing the words that they know so well of a workers right to rise and unite- words that we heard you tell. Words that we heard you tell.
So come all you working sons of a foreign land.
Take heed your rights always and understand that the right to choose to air their views two men had stripped away
And though they're gone their words linger on - remember your rights today
Remember your rights today.
For today the migrant workers sing the words that they know so well of a workers right to rise and unite- words that we heard you tell. Words that we heard you tell.
credits
from Onward,
released September 22, 2022
Patsy O'Brien
Vocals
Guitars
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