Pete Seeger and group - Solidarity Forever Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote 'Solidarity Forever'?

   'Solidarity Forever' was originally written by Ralph Chaplin in 1915 while he was working as a journalist covering the Paint Creek–Cabin Creek strike in West Virginia.

2. What tune is 'Solidarity Forever' set to?

   'Solidarity Forever' is sung to the tune of 'John Brown's Body' and 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic'.

3. Which organizations have adopted 'Solidarity Forever' as their anthem?

   While 'Solidarity Forever' was initially written for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), it has also been adopted by other union movements such as the AFL–CIO and has been sung at Australian Labor Party and Canadian New Democratic Party conferences.

4. How many stanzas are there in 'Solidarity Forever'?

   There are six stanzas in 'Solidarity Forever' covering various aspects of labor struggles and the power of union solidarity.

5. What does the fifth stanza of 'Solidarity Forever' emphasize?

   The fifth stanza emphasizes that the power placed in the hands of workers is greater than hoarded gold and the might of armies, suggesting they have the power to bring about significant change.

6. Why did Ralph Chaplin have misgivings about the widespread popularity of 'Solidarity Forever'?

   Chaplin was concerned that 'Solidarity Forever' was being used by 'industrial unions' and 'ambitious politicians' who he felt had commercialized the song and deviated from its original radical and revolutionary message.