Lyrics Tom Paxton – Factory Whistle’s Blowing

They can make ’em cheaper, over in Japan
That’s the way it goes now, everybody knows
They don’t need the workin’ man
They can take their money, move it anywhere
Here today and gone, they can set up in Taiwan
Or the moon for all they care
Leavin’ us a factory, all it grows is weeds
Leavin’ us the families, they’re the same as ever
Hungry mouths to feed
Factory whistle’s blowin’
Other side of town
Everybody’s knowin’
Factory’s closin’ down
They can make ’em cheaper over in Japan
That’s the way it goes
Now everybody knows
They don’t need the workin’ man
Daddy joined the union; nineteen thirty-three
He took it on the head but I remember that he said
That there is strength in unity
Now we stand together, paying slips without pay
Stunned at turnin’ over, factory days are over
Company’s gone away
Factory whistle’s blowin’
Other side of town
Everybody’s knowin’

Factory’s closin’ down
They can make ’em cheaper over in Japan
That’s the way it goes now
Everybody knows
They don’t need the workin’ man
The president is smilin’, ‘bout his free economy
But the furnaces are out, and there’s very little doubt
That it ain’t very free for me
The president is smilin’, says we’re doin’ fine
Sure we’re doin’ swell, we’re productive as all hell
On the unemployment line
Factory whistle’s blowin’
Other side of town
Everybody’s knowin’
Factory’s closin’ down
They can make ’em cheaper over in Japan
That’s the way it goes now, everybody knows
They don’t need the workin’ man
That’s the way it goes now, everybody knows
They don’t need the workin’ man
Factory whistle’s blowin’