Union song of the month: I'm A Union Card

http://labornotes.org/2011/06/im-union-card

Audio at link.


Photo: A Voice From The Rustbelt. Photographer unknown. Click to enlarge.

Kenny Winfree started out working as a textile worker at the Lebanon Woolen Mill in his hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee. His father worked at the same mill for 45 years, and his mother and several uncles had worked there as well. Winfree currently works at a large aircraft plant in Texas. He is a member of UAW Local 848 and AFM Local 72-147.

Winfree debuted this song at the Great Labor Song Exchange in 1984.



Kenny Winfree


Kenny Winfree's UAW card

I'm A Union Card
Intro:


Well I was thumbin' through my wallet just the other day and
Well I came to a certain spot and I could have swore I heard someone say
"Hey! I'm your union card, now don't you forget about me.
Now listen to this story, and just see if you don't agree."
1.


"You may not know it but I do a lot for you
I protect your benefits and all your wages too
I might even keep you from getting fired.
Praise the Lord, I'm A Union Card."
Chorus:


"Praise the Lord and I'm a union card.
Could have been a Visa, could have been a MasterCard.
Don't worry 'bout your money long as I'm on guard.
Just Praise the Lord, I'm A Union Card."
2.


"Could have been the joker, could have been the Old Maid
Could have been the Rooker, could have been the ace of spades
Living in your wallet here it sure is hard
But Praise the Lord, I'm A Union Card."
Chorus

3.


"I'm a postal worker who delivers mail to you
I'm a textile worker and I work on airplanes too
I'm carried by millions over near and far
Just Praise the Lord, I'm A Union Card."
Chorus


Buy the CD.

Personnel: Kenny Winfree, lead vocals, guitar; Phil Rosenthal, banjo, mandolin, bass, harmony vocals; American Melody Studio, sound.