Ragtime Ensemble - The Night that Goldman Spoke at Union Square lyrics

EMMA GOLDMAN (spoken): I have just arrived from Lawrence, Ma**achusetts where, eight weeks ago, the workers there went on strike. They are starving, their children are dying, but they are holding firm - and we must support them YOUNGER BROTHER: It was winter in New York As the snow began to fall And the workmen's hall had not a seat to spare When a young man stepped inside Just to warm himself, was all The night that Goldman spoke at Union Square EMMA (spoken): What is happening in Lawrence is happening everywhere. Let us at last make this the land of opportunity for all people, not just the owners. The land of opportunity for Tateh and his Little Girl. We cannot rest! YOUNGER BROTHER: She was speaking loud and fast Through a haze of noise and heat And the smell of sweat and anger in the air The police were standing by But the crowd was on its feet The night that Goldman spoke at Union Square EMMA: You! YOUNGER BROTHER: He thought he heard her say EMMA: What brings you here today EMMA, ENSEMBLE: Poor young rich boy EMMA: Masturbates for a Vaudeville tart What a waste of a fiery heart Dear YOUNGER BROTHER: He thought she said EMMA, ENSEMBLE: Poor young bourgeois EMMA: There are things that you've never thought Come to Emma and you'll be taught Here YOUNGER BROTHER: His head was spinning EMMA, ENSEMBLE: People feathered and tarred, my friend Unions broken and why for Children laboring, women still enslaved Leave your little backyard, my friend There are causes to die for ENSEMBLE: Strike! YOUNGER BROTHER: In the gutters of the city I have tried to find some meaning ENSEMBLE: Strike! YOUNGER BROTHER: In the arms of fallen women In the thought of suicide ENSEMBLE: Strike! YOUNGER BROTHER: Like a firework unexploded Wanting life but never knowing how - EMMA: My brother Life has meaning I'll show you how - YOUNGER BROTHER: -Till now EMMA: My brother, you are With us now YOUNGER BROTHER: He was calling out her name Shouting what, he did not know And he found that he was standing on a chair With a heart as clean and new As the freshly fallen snow The night that Goldman spoke - EMMA (spoken): I've been waiting for you YOUNGER BROTHER: - At Union Square WORKERS (spoken): Strike! Strike! Strike! Strike! TATEH (spoken): I hate you, goddamned America! LITTLE GIRL (spoken): Tateh! Tateh!