Malvina Reynolds: Song Lyrics and Poems  



Huelga Huelga (Do Not Cross the Line)

Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1966 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1994. Written in support of the Cesar Chavez-led National Farm Workers Union strike and march from Delano, California, to Sacramento in March and April 1966. By the time the marchers rallied in Sacramento 10,000 people were involved.


Huelga! Huelga!
Leave the grapes alone.
Growers and distillers,
They have hearts of stone.
They pay starvation wages,
Their lives are rich and fine.
Huelga, huelga,
Do not cross the line.

When we try to organize
They throw us in the pen,
If we have a union
We can live like men,
They'd rather see us hungry
While they get rich on wine.
Huelga, huelga,
Do not cross the line.

Support of our unions
Is everybody's task.
One forty an hour
Isn't much to ask,
Make the growers understand
We're going to win this time,
Huelga, huelga,
Do not cross the line.

Don't drink Schenley's whisky
Or any Schenley brand,
I. W. Harper,
Seager's, Ron Cruzan,
Ancient Age or Cutty Sark
Or Cresta Blanca Wine,
Huelga, huelga,
Do not cross the line.

Keep away from Roma,
Don't drink Cook's Champagne,
Do not buy the scabby grapes,
Conditions are a shame.
Support Delano strikers,
Their cause is yours and mine,
Huelga, huelga,
Do not cross the line.


Malvina Reynolds songbook(s) in which the music to this song appears:
---- [none]

Other place(s) where the music to this song appears:
---- Broadside No. 69 (April 1966)

Malvina Reynolds recording(s) on which this song is performed:
---- [none]


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