[Verse 1]
A letter from a quarry miner
February 1932
To his mother back in Scandinavia
When he lost his job as foreman of the crew
Mmm hmm

[Chorus]
"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"

[Verse 2]
Couldn't feed his family
Couldn't buy the clothes he needed
Couldn't even find the humblest employment
Standing hours in the linе for a day-old loaf of bread
Mmm hmm

[Chorus]
"We are strong and wе 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"
[Verse 3]
"Your bridges there in Boston
Your buildings there in Maryland
Made of granite from us Northern people
Quarried by the hands of me and all my men"

[Chorus]
"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"

[Verse 4]
I worry for my family
I wonder 'bout those coming after me
If they find themselves in ruination
Remember these words of wisdom
Oh, ho, ho

[Chorus]
"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"