Factory Whistle's Blowing - Tom Paxton

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

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'