They used to tell me I was building a dream 

And so I followed the mob 

When there was earth to plow or guns to bear 

I was always there right on the job 



They used to tell me I was building a dream 

With peace and glory ahead 

Why should I be standing in line 

Just waiting for bread? 



Once I built a railroad, I made it run 

Made it race against time 

Once I built a railroad, now it's done 

Brother, can you spare a dime? 



Once I built a tower up to the sun 

Brick and rivet and lime 

Once I built a tower, now it's done 

Brother, can you spare a dime? 



Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell 

Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dum 

Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell 

And I was the kid with the drum 



Say, don't you remember, they called me "Al" 

It was "Al" all the time 

Why don't you remember, I'm your pal 

Say buddy, can you spare a dime? 



Once in khaki suits, ah gee we looked swell 

Full of that Yankee-Doodly-dum 

Half a million boots went sloggin' through Hell 

And I was the kid with the drum 



Oh, say, don't you remember, they called me "Al" 

It was "Al" all the time 

Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal 

Buddy, can you spare a dime?