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Lend A HandBy VVAWThe song reprinted below was written by George "Red" Wilkinson, a long-time fighter for the cause of the working class in New Zealand. Written in 1935 when the danger of another was clear, the song speaks to the unity of workers in seeing that rich man's war is not in their interests. LEND A HAND! When the war-lords start to thunder, Lend a hand! When the bosses shout for slaughter, Lend a hand! When they tell us we must fight, Let us roar with all our might, "The enemy is in our native land." (Chorus) Workers! Everyone who's useful! Lend a hand! Drive the vultures from their plunder Lend a hand! Workers! Soldiers! Farmers! All! Hear the ringing world-wide call. "The enemy is in our native land." If you're working hard on shipboard, Lend a hand! Stop the war-dogs being loosened, Lend a hand! Every worker o'er the sea Is our comrade, can't you see, "The enemy is in our native land." If you're working on the railroad, Lend a hand! Stop the wheels--you'll stop the war plans, Lend a hand! We can do our fighting here, For our wives and children dear, "The enemy is in our native land." If you're serving in the army, Lend a hand! When they tell you "shoot your brother," Lend a hand! From each barracks let arise A bold challenge to the skies, "The enemy is in our native land." If you're unemployed and hungry, Lend a hand! When they want you for a solider, Lend a hand! With comrades of your class, Grimly say, "They shall not pass!" "The enemy is in our native land." If you toil from dawn to sunset, Lend a hand! And the land yields but a pittance, Lend a hand! When the flags and banners wave, Aye your land and country save, "The enemy is in our native land." Workers! Everyone who's useful! Lend a hand! Drive the vultures from their plunder, Lend a hand! Let the bosses scream and shout, They're the foe that we must rout, "The enemy is in our native land."
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