We are building up a union,
With which we hope to save the land
I.C.U. are its initials,
In its ranks we take our stand.
We shall show by workmen's councils
How to banish sweated ills
How to raise the blackman's status
How to conquer strife that kills:
Union means an all-in movement
None outside to scab upon us;
With folded arms we'll stand like statues
Sing our songs but make no rumpus.
That is how we'll win our battles
Make good our claims to rights;
We have no other weapon left us
Brains not Bombs shall win our fight.
Forward then in one big union
All in which we're organised
Solid phalanx undivided,
No more shall we be despised.
I.C.U. spells workers only,
I.C.U. - fraternity
I.C.U. means liberation;
I.C.U. - "Labour holds the key."