A folk song, written in the early 1980s, about the exploitation and impoverishment of workers around the globe under the capitalist economic system.
Who built the hospital where you inhaled your first air?
Who built your first bed? Who built your first chair?
Who built your first home and who grew the food you ate?
The workers did it all
And the workers all wealth create.
The workers build guitars which enable stars to sing
The workers build the tools to replace all broken strings
The workers construct equipment to amplify human voice
Yet the workers live in poverty while super-stars rejoice.
Who built your toys which made you feel less gloom?
Who built your bike? Who built your broom?
Who produced the books which taught you not to hate?
The workers did it all
And the workers all wealth create.
The workers built the stage upon which stars perform
The workers produced the paper for those who write down songs
The workers made the pen and the ink to compose
Yet the workers live in poverty while super-star fortunes grow.
Who built the car which takes you to your beach?
Who made your clothes? Who built the highways?
Who built the laundromat and made towels for your face?
The workers did it all
And the workers all wealth create.
The workers made the tapes to record the words they sing
The workers made machines to produce the royalties
The workers shipped you grass when you wanted bad to smoke
Yet the workers live in poverty while super-stars exploit.
And who are these workers who make the whole world go?
Where do they all live? Do they ever feel quite alone?
You and I are the workers, with the power to reach outer space
We do all the work
And we all wealth create.