Monday's Poetry: "The Ballad of Joe Hill"

by Pa Rock
Poetry Appreciator

(This selection is dedicated to two class acts: Joan Baez who sings it, and Chad Manspeaker who lives it.)

Joe Hill was performed by Joan Baez at Woodstock in 1969 and is now not only a staple of her repertoire, but also one of the anthems of the labor movement. Baez is a nightingale blessed with a crystalline voice and a pure heart. She cares about people, and nowhere does this come across better than when she warbles the inspirationalBallad of Joe Hill.

Chad Manspeaker was born a full decade after Woodstock. I am fortunate to know this young labor activist and Kansas Democratic Party organizer through his long friendship with my youngest son, Tim. An America blessed with young men of Chad and Tim's caliber cannot fail!

Enjoy Joe Hill.

The Ballad of Joe Hill
by Alfred Hayes and Earl Robinson

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me:
Said I, but Joe you’re ten years dead;
I never died said he.
I never died said he.

In Salt Lake, Joe, Great God, said I,
Him standing by my bed;
They framed you on a murder charge,
Said Joe but I ain’t dead;
Said Joe but I ain’t dead.

The copper bosses framed you Joe
They shot you Joe said I;
Takes more than guns to kill a man,
Said Joe I did not die.
Said Joe I did not die.

Joe Hill ain’t dead he says to me,
Joe Hill ain’t never died;
Where working men are out on strike,
Joe Hill is at their side,
Joe Hill is at their side.

And standing there as big as life
A-smiling with his eyes.
Said Joe, what they forgot to kill
Went on to organize,
Went on to organize!

From San Diego up to Maine,
In every mine and mill -
Where working men defend their rights
It’s there you’ll find Joe Hill.
It’s there you’ll find Joe Hill.

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
Alive as you or me:
Said I, but Joe you’re ten years dead;
I never died said he.
I never died said he.