This is a work in progress. I will post new "chapters"
each week to break up the task of typing a 50 page essay.
So tune in periodically for new "episodes."


Robin Brownfield - 8/13/98
										




1. Introduction



2. A Brief Union History



3. Poor Working Conditions



4. Joining the UFW Staff

Bracero

By Phil Ochs


Em                                                     D
Wade into the river, through the rippling shallow water
            C                                              B7
Steal accross the thirsty border, bracero
            Em                                                     D
Come bring your hungry bodies to the golden fields of plenty
              C                                B7
Sell your soul for half a penny, bracero
        C            D           G - Em
And welcome to California
Am                            D                           Em
Where the friendly farmer will take care of you

Come labor for your mother, your father and your brother
For your sister and your lover, bracero
Come pick the fruit of yellow, break the flower from the berry
Purple grapes will fill your belly, bracero
And welcome to California
Where the friendly farmer will take care of you

And the sun will bite your body, as the dust will draw you thirsty
While your muscles beg for mercy, bracero
In the shade of your sombrero, drop your sweat upon the soil
Like the fruit your youth can spoil, bracero
And welcome to California
Where the friendly farmer will take care of you

When the weary night embraces, sleep in shacks that could be cages
They will take it from your wages, bracero
Come sing about tomorrow with a jingle of the dollar
And forget your crooked collar, bracero
And welcome to California
Where the friendly farmer will take care of you

And the local men are lazy, and they make too much of trouble
Besides we'd have to pay the double, bracero
But if you feel you're fallin', if you find the pace is killing
There are others who are willing, bracero
And welcome to California
Where the friendly farmer will take care of you