voices of protest image
Article: Hill's Protest Songs
Casey Jones -- The Union Scab
Mr. Block
The Preacher and the Slave
The Rebel Girl
There is Power in a Union
Where the Fraser River Flows
Workers of the World Unite



Joe Hill
Songs of Hope
 

Casey Jones -- The Union Scab continue
Written by Hill in 1911 for a strike in California, this song parodies a popular contemporary tune.

Mr. Block continue
This humorous song tells the story of a common worker who fails to take a stand for his rights and falls into error upon error.

The Preacher and the Slave continue
In this motivational song, Hill ostensibly mocks the Salvation Army's preachers, who offer solace for suffering only to those who wait patiently, rather than fighting for relief.

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn imageThe Rebel Girl continue
Recognizing the importance of women to the labor movement, this tune is dedicated to activist Elizabeth Gurley Flynn.

There is Power in a Union continue
Set to the music of the well-known Christian hymn, "There is Power in the Blood of the Lamb," this recruitment song features inspirational phrases.

Where the Fraser River Flows continue
One of Hill's most memorable ballads takes its inspiration from striking construction workers in British Columbia.

Workers of the World Sheet musicWorkers of the World, Awaken! continue
Written while Joe Hill was in prison, this song speaks to workers on an international level.

 
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Early 1900s Labor
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