May day...may day 9 to 5
how many union men are still alive
or did you kill them all at Haymarket Square
I saw the Pinkerton men slithering there
Did you work your normal 8 hour day
did you consider what others had to pay
for the chance to glimpse the setting sun
liberty and justice for everyone
Take note of the scabs and the cops piled high
looking like they can touch the sky
listen to the belly of a hungry child gone
and let me know what side you're on
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
learn your history boy
Tired of the goons and the company dogs
with heads like old wet rotted logs
with their lawyers guns and money galore
expecting me to mop the floor
It ain't gonna work that way with me
you best learn to leave me be
I'll do honest work for an honest wage
but you'll not lock me in a cage
You can lump me in with whoever you please
but history you will not appease
by painting it over with a black spray can
and forcing a child to become a man
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
learn your history boy
May day May day 9 to 5
some dignity in staying alive
for all of the Haymarket dead
we owe then that on the road ahead
Did you work your normal 8 hour day
did you consider what others had to pay
for the chance to glimpse the setting sun
liberty and justice for everyone
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
Haymarket square Haymarket square
can you tell me what happened down there
learn your history boy