They've shot Joe Hill, his life has fled, They've filled his manly heart with lead; But his brave spirit hovers near And bids each fellow worker cheer. [Chorus] [Multiple male voices] On high the blood red banners wave! The flag for which his life he gave; The master class shall rue the day They took Joe Hillstrom's life away. [Verse] Now, fellow workers, shed no tear, For brave Joe Hill died without fear; He told the bosses' gunmen, low: "I'm ready; fire! Let her go!" [Chorus] [Multiple male voices] On high the blood red banners wave! The flag for which his life he gave; The master class shall rue the day They took Joe Hillstrom's life away. [Bridge] No more Joe Hill shall pen the songs That pictured all the workers' wrongs; His mighty pen shall rust away, But all his songs are here to stay. [Chorus] [Multiple male voices] On high the blood red banners wave! The flag for which his life he gave; The master class shall rue the day They took Joe Hillstrom's life away. [Verse] Now Salt Lake City's Mormon throngs Must list to Joe Hill's rebel songs; While angry sabs shall prowl the night To show the One Big Union's might. [Build Tempo] [Chorus] [Multiple male voices] On high the blood red banners wave! The flag for which his life he gave; The master class shall rue the day They took Joe Hillstrom's life away. [Outro] March on, march on, you mighty host, And organize from coast to coast; And Joe Hill's spirit soon shall see Triumphant Labor's victory. [Chorus] [Multiple male voices] On high the blood red banners wave! The flag for which his life he gave; The master class shall rue the day They took Joe Hillstrom's life away.
