Any copyrighted material on these pages is used in "fair use", for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s).

Composed in the rhythms of folk music, the songs are an expression of the basic needs and dreams of the working man -- of his desire for work and dignity after the war, of his yearning for peace and a chance to raise his family in security, of his eagerness to be a growing, integral part of the community he lives in.

C.I.O., "War Relief News" editorial; reprinted in Ronald D. Cohen & Dave Samuelson, liner notes for "Songs for Political Action,", Bear Family Records, BCD 15 720 JL, 1996, p. 117.

Lyrics as recorded by Tom Glazer & Josh White (with an uncredited BESS LOMAX HAWES, mandolin/vocals) for "Songs of the Citizen C.I.O." (ASCH 349), June 19, 1944; reprinted ibid., p. 124 (minor corrections by Manfred Helfert).

Where do you come from, brother?
I come from the U.S.A.
What are you doin', brother?
I'm helping Uncle Sam in every way.

CHORUS:
Well, tell me your name, brother, tell me your name,
Tell me your name because I'd sure like to know.
I'll tell you my name, yes, I'll tell you my name
It's very plain, my name is Citizen C.I.0.

How you doin' lately, brother?
Well, things are lookin' up okay.
Tell me the reason, brother?
The union fights my battles every day.

CHORUS

Do you love your country, brother?
Yes. I love it more than I can tell.
How come you joined the army, brother?
I want to send those fascists straight to hell.

CHORUS

Mighty glad I met you, brother!
Oh, gee, Bud, the same goes herel
Stick around a long time, brother!
You bet I will a hundred thousand years!

CHORUS