Question

Does anybody here understand the song "Brother, Can you spare a dime?" I need help with 5 questions about it!

Answer 1

http://www.authentichistory.com/1930-1939/3-music/19321027-Brother_Can_You_Spare_a_Dime-Rudy_Vallee.html <----That's the song

Answer 2

1. What was the dream?

2. What were two things people did to build the dream

3. What are two things that were built?

4. Where did “half a million boots go sloggin’ through hell?”

5. What does the song do to communicate the problems of the 1930s?

Answer 3

I know the answers are in the lyrics, I don't understand the lyrics, that's why I'm here :O

Answer 4

@jabez177

Answer 5

1. The "Dream" The song was referring to is 'The American dream'

Answer 6

I believe so. :)

Answer 7

I don't understand #2

Answer 8

2. One being they fought in the wars, and two being they worked the lands.
^Correct?

Answer 9

@jabez177 Do you think you can help?

Answer 10

I would if I could hear the song. :P

Answer 11

The song is up there ^ :P

Answer 12

@Atsie

Answer 13

I know but I can't listen to it. :P Speakers aren't working. :P

Answer 14

Oh my gosh, that sucks .-.
Do you think you can read the lyrics and understand a little?

Answer 15

Sure!

Answer 16

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Performed by Rudy Vallee
Recorded October 27, 1932

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, made it run
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 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 doodle dum
Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell
And I was the kid with a drum

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?

Answer 17

Maybe this? :/ http://prntscr.com/9pe5g1

Answer 18

Maybe, I thought those lyrics were metaphors though

Answer 19

I literally could not help dancing along to this....hehe, I usually can't get old music in my head either.
Anyways, down to business.

1. What was the dream?
The dream was the American Dream. I don't doubt that for a second.

2. What were two things people did to build the dream
People built things that made life easier for society, and also fought in wars.

3. What are two things that were built?
They built a railroad, and a tower.

4. Where did “half a million boots go sloggin’ through hell?”
Hell basically translates to military's and wars. "the kid with the drum" points to marching in an army life environment

5. What does the song do to communicate the problems of the 1930s?
I think the song indicates trials and hardship, and the man who says "brother spare a dime" probably is needing a friend to help him through these problems.


I WISH my History class was like this! I write lyrics myself all the time, so I sort of have a clue how to translate them.
I hope this is of some help! I gtg!

Answer 20

@Atsie You are the best!!! Thank you so much!!

Answer 21

Glad to be of help Ms Brains! :)