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 out 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, made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
Buddy, can you spare a dime?

Once I built a tower to the sun
Built of brick and water, and lime
Once I built a tower, now it's done
Buddy, can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked fine
Full of that Yankee-Doodly-Dum
Half a million boots went slogging 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 am your pal?
Buddy, can you spare a dime?