The more I look at what I’ve posted on this blog the more I realise what a complex variety of music I enjoy.
This song is called Bread and Roses It originated from a speech given by American women’s suffrage activist Helen Todd; a line in that speech about “bread for all, and roses too” inspired the title of the poem Bread and Roses by James Oppenheim in 1911.
This song is taken from the Movie ‘Pride’ which describes the struggle of the miners striking to save their pits and communities during the Thatcher years. The strike lasted a year. The film describes how the Gay and Lesbian community provided fund raising and support for the miners during this time.
I must admit at being very moved by the film and especially this song. During the past few months of Lockdown I’ve from time to time been very angry at the treatment of people and especially the death toll and felt impotent in the face this. The movie reminded me that regardless of my occasional pessimism its amazing what can happen when humanity in others is recognised. The song and poem represent the simplicity of what a human being needs. Bread (food) yes obviously but Roses (beauty joy) too. I hope you enjoy it.
As we come marching, marching, in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill-lofts grey
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing, ‘Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses.’
As we come marching, marching, we battle, too, for men-
For they are women’s children and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes-
Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses!
As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient song of Bread;
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew-
Yes, bread we fight for-but we fight for Roses, too.
As we come marching, marching, we bring the Greater Days-
The rising of the women means the rising of the race-
No more the drudge and idler-ten that toil where one reposes-
But sharing of life’s glories: Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses!