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 [bad word]  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, up to the sun, 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 slogging through [bad word]  
And I was the kid with the [bad word] 

Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time. 
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell, 
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum, 
Half a million boots went slogging through [bad word]  
And I was the kid with the [bad word] 

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?