As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray
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 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 unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew
Yes it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses, too
As we come marching we bring the greater days
For the rising of the women means the rising of the race
No more the drudge and idler -- ten that toil while one reposes
But a sharing of life's glories -- Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses
Westmoreland Museum of American Art
221 North Main Street • Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 837-1500 • Fax: (724) 837-2921
Click on the title of the song to view the lyrics.
