WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN CONGRESS
Words by Ernie Marrs
As sung by Pete Seeger on "Songs of Struggle and Protest, 1930-50" (Smithsonian Folkways, 1964)

What a friend we have in Congress,
Who will guard our e'vry shore,
Spends three-quarters of our taxes
Getting ready for a war.
Guns must make our coastline bristle,
And we have to fill the sky
Full of flames and guided missiles.
They'll be paid for by and by.

Have you noticed all the progress
In our mighty airborne fleet?
By the time the plane's adopted,
It's already obsolete.
There's no fact'ry profit, brother,
And we have to do or die.
One improvement then another,
They'll be paid for by and by.

Modern bombs are sure to carry
Loads of glory, joy and thrills.
What a privilege to bury
All the dead our money kills!
Never mind the widows weeping.
Disregard the orphan's cry.
When God wakes the dead and sleeping,
They'll be paid for by and by.

from Songs of Struggle and Protest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6ewCs_u2VA

1960 Bowdoin College Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSEI5lQ2HFM