Seniors used to be immune from political attack, but now they have joined other groups blamed for the destruction of the economy. Several groups demanding "hands off Social Security" organized a 75th happy birthday Social Security rally in front of the Federal building in San Francisco on August 14th. Organizing groups included the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) and the Gray Panthers. At the colorful rally, first the SF Labor Chorus and then the Raging Grannies led singalongs from atop the back of a decorated flat bed truck. The Grannies will perform and speak out at another rally organized by CARA on August 18th in San Jose.

The Battle Hymn of Aging
Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic
Please use use freely! Lyrics by the Raging Grannies

We’ve reached the age of sixty-five, our golden years are here.
They tell us that the age begins a happy new career.
For now our Uncle Sam becomes our permanent cashier
As we go marching on.

CHORUS:
Holy moley it's our money
Holy moley it's our money
Holy moley it's our money
We paid when we were young!

And when each month a check appears we're grateful it's beens sent.
Some folks can buy a bit of food and maybe pay the rent.
And after that they're damn near broke and left without a cent
But they go bravely on!

(REPEAT CHORUS)

We don’t know how you make it, as you live from day-to-day
With income fixed and prices up, there’s always more to pay.
So minding our arthritis, let’s march and sing and say
That we’ll go bravely on!