Page:Songs of the Workers 15th Edition.djvu/50

 UP FROM YOUR KNEES!

By Ralph H. Chaplin

(Air: "Song of a Thousand Years") Up from your knees, ye cringing serfmen!
 * What have ye gained by whines and tears?

Rise! they can never break our spirits
 * Though they should try a thousand years.

CHORUS A thousand years, then speed the victory!
 * Nothing can stop us nor dismay.

After the winter comes the springtime;
 * After the darkness comes the day.

Break ye your chains; strike off your fetters;
 * Beat them to swords—the foe appears—

Slaves of the world, arise and crush him;
 * Crush him or serve a thousand years.

Join in the fight—the Final Battle.
 * Welcome the fray with ringing cheers.

These are the times all freemen dreamed of—
 * Fought to attain a thousand years.

Be ye prepared; be not unworthy,—
 * Greater the task when triumph nears.

Master the earth, O Men of Labor,—
 * Long have ye learned—a thousand years.

Over the hills the sun is rising.
 * Out of the gloom the light appears.

See! at your feet the world is waiting,—
 * Bought with your blood a thousand years.

 45