A letter from a quarry miner
February 1932
To his mother back in Scandinavia
When he lost his job as foreman of the crew

We are strong and we are proud
We are learning, to live without
We tread a little softer on the newborn day
And sing the credo when we pray
Use it up
Wear it out
Make do
Or do without

Couldn't feed his family
Couldn't buy the clothes he needed
Couldn't even find the humblest employment
Standing hours in a line for a day-old loaf of bread

We are strong and we are proud
We are learning, to live without
We tread a little softer on the newborn day
And sing the credo when we pray
Use it up
Wear it out
Make do
Or do without

Your bridges there in Boston
Your building there in Maryland
Made of granite from us northern people
Quarried by the hands of me and all my men

We are strong and we are proud
We are learning, to live without
We tread a little softer on the newborn day
And sing the credo when we pray
Use it up
Wear it out
Make do
Or do without

I worry for my family
I wonder bout those coming after me
If they find themselves in ruination
Remember these words of wisdom

We are strong and we are proud
We are learning, to live without
We tread a little softer on the newborn day
And sing the credo when we pray
Use it up
Wear it out
Make do
Or do without
Use it up
Wear it out
Make do
Or do without