Once I built a tower up to the sun
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
And I was the kid with the drum
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
I was always there, right on the job
Brother, can you spare a dime?
And I was the kid with the drum
Once in khaki suits, ah, gee, we looked swell
It was 'Al' all the time
Just waiting for bread?
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
Brick and rivet and lime
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Why don't you remember? I'm your pal
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
It was 'Al' all the time
With peace and glory ahead
They used to tell me I was building a dream
Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
Say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
Once I built a tower, now it's done
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
Oh, say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
Made it race against time
Why should I be standing in line
