JOE HILL

Original Alfred Hayes version



I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night
Alive as you or me
Says I, But Joe, you're ten years dead
I never died, says he
I never died, says he

In Salt Lake, Joe, says I to him
Him standing by my bed
They framed you on a murder charge
Says Joe, But I ain't dead
Says Joe, But I ain't dead

The copper bosses killed you, Joe
They shot you, Joe, says I
Takes more than guns to kill a man
Says Joe, I didn't die
Says Joe, I didn't die

And standing there as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Joe says, What they forgot to kill
Went on to organize
Went on to organize

Joe Hill ain't dead, he says to me
Joe Hill ain't never died
Where working men are out on strike
Joe Hill is at their side
Joe Hill is at their side

From San Diego up to Maine
In every mine and mill
Where workers strike and organize
Says he, You'll find Joe Hill
Says he, You'll find Joe Hill

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night
Alive as you or me
Says I, But Joe, you're ten years dead
I never died, says he
I never died, says he


Info

JOE HILL is a poerm writtem by Alfred Hayes around 1930. The poem is a tribute to Swedish-American labor activist and songwriter Joe Hill. The poem, more correctly titled "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night", was set to music by Earl Robinson in 1936.

Bruce Springsteen's Version

Bruce Springsteen performed JOE HILL live once, with the E Street Band, on International Workers' Day 2014. See his live 01 May 2014 version for more details.

Available Versions

List of available versions of JOE HILL on this website:

JOE HILL [Live 01 May 2014 version]
JOE HILL [Original Alfred Hayes version]

Page last updated: 17 May 2014