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 to the sun

Made a 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

Say don't you remember I'm your pal

Buddy can you spare a dime