When Will We Be Paid
Unpaid Labor: A Melodic Plea for Justice
Lyrics
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Expression of frustration and anticipation about receiving compensation for their labor.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Repetition for emphasis on the question of when they will receive payment for their work.
We have worked this country from shore to shore
Describes extensive labor contributions to the country, encompassing various tasks.
Our women cooked all your food and washed all your clothes
Highlights the role of women in domestic tasks, emphasizing their significant contributions.
We picked all your cotton and laid the railroad steel
Lists specific contributions such as cotton picking and railroad construction, showcasing the diversity of their work.
Worked our hands to the bone at your lumber mill
Emphasizes hard physical labor in the lumber mill, illustrating the extent of their dedication.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Reiterates the central question of when they will be compensated for their labor.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Repetition for emphasis, reinforcing the urgency of the question.
We fought in your wars in every land
Highlights participation in wars to defend the country, emphasizing sacrifice for freedom.
To keep this country free, y'all, for women, children, and men
Reiterates the purpose of their involvement in wars, emphasizing its noble cause.
But anytime we ask for pay alone
Expresses frustration that asking for fair compensation leads to negative consequences.
That's when everything seems to turn out wrong
Suggests that seeking fair pay results in unfortunate outcomes.
We've been beat up
Lists various forms of mistreatment endured, reflecting the challenges faced.
Called names
Further describes mistreatment, emphasizing verbal abuse.
Shot down and stoned
References violent acts experienced, indicating physical harm.
But every time we do right, someone say we wrong
Expresses frustration that even when doing right, they face criticism.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Reiterates the central question of when they will be compensated for their labor.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Repetition for emphasis, reinforcing the urgency of the question.
We have given our sweat and all our tears
Highlights the emotional and physical toll of their contributions.
We stumbled through this life for more than 300 years
Reflects on the long duration of struggles endured over centuries.
We've been separated from the land which we knew
Addresses forced separation from their original land and cultural deprivation.
Stripped of our culture, people you know it's true
Emphasizes the loss of culture, pointing out the reality of their situation.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Reiterates the central question of when they will be compensated for their labor.
When will we be paid for the work we've done?
Repetition for emphasis, reinforcing the urgency of the question.
Will we ever be proud of "My country, 'tis of thee?"
Ponders whether they will ever take pride in the country given their experiences.
Will we ever sing out loud, "Sweet Land of Liberty?"
Questions the possibility of singing joyfully about the "Sweet Land of Liberty."
Will we ever have peace and harmony?
Asks if there will ever be peace and harmony, expressing a desire for a better future.
I wanna know, will we ever be paid?
Reiterates the central question, emphasizing the longing for fair compensation.
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