A letter from a quarry miner

February 1932

To his mother back in Scandinavia

When he lost his job as foreman of the crew

MM hmm

"We are strong and we are proud

We are learning to live without

We tread a little softer on the newborn day

And sing the credo when we pray

Use it up

Wear it out

Make do

Or do without"

Couldn't feed his family

Couldn't buy the clothes he needed

Couldn't even find the humblest employment

Standing hours in the linе for a day-old loaf of bread

MM hmm

"We are strong and wе are proud

We are learning to live without

We tread a little softer on the newborn day

And sing the credo when we pray

Use it up

Wear it out

Make do

Or do without"

"Your bridges there in Boston

Your buildings there in Maryland

Made of granite from us Northern people

Quarried by the hands of me and all my men"

"We are strong and we are proud

We are learning to live without

We tread a little softer on the newborn day

And sing the credo when we pray

Use it up

Wear it out

Make do

Or do without"

I worry for my family

I wonder 'bout those coming after me

If they find themselves in ruination

Remember these words of wisdom

Oh, ho, ho

"We are strong and we are proud

We are learning to live without

We tread a little softer on the newborn day

And sing the credo when we pray

Use it up

Wear it out

Make do

Or do without

Use it up

Wear it out

Make do

Or do without"