Florence Reece didn’t set out to write a timeless anthem, but rage and desperation have a way of fueling powerful art. In 1931, in the midst of the tumultuous Harlan County War in Kentucky, Reece and her children were terrorized in their own home. Their “crime” was her husband, Sam Reece, a dedicated miners’ union organizer standing up for workers’ rights during a brutal strike. This harrowing experience ignited a fire in Florence, giving birth to “Which Side Are You On?”, a song that would transcend its origins to become a rallying cry for movements worldwide, famously championed by Pete Seeger and many others.
The Harlan County War was a bloody and protracted conflict, with local Sheriff JH Blair siding firmly with the mine owners. Strikers faced violence, tear gas, and intimidation from law enforcement and hired thugs. In this climate of fear and injustice, Florence Reece’s home became a target. Fleeing one night to avoid Blair’s men, she returned to find her home ransacked. In the aftermath of this invasion, fueled by anger and a sense of urgency, she grabbed a calendar sheet and began to write.
Her lyrics were direct and potent, reflecting the stark realities of the conflict. She started with a call to action: “Come all you good workers, good news to you I’ll tell, Of how the good old union has come in here to dwell.” Then, she cut to the heart of the matter, defining the battle lines: “They say in Harlan County, There are no neutrals there, You’ll either be a union man, Or a thug for JH Blair.” And then, the unforgettable chorus, a question that demanded an answer: “Which side are you on? Which side are you on?”
Florence set her powerful words to the melody of an old ballad, drawing from the familiar tunes of “Lay the Lily Low” or “Jack Monro”. The song quickly resonated within the labor movement, spreading through rallies and gatherings. It was here that Pete Seeger, the legendary folk singer and activist, discovered “Which Side Are You On?”. Seeger recognized the song’s raw power and its ability to connect with people fighting for justice.
Seeger, along with Woody Guthrie, formed The Almanac Singers in 1941 and recorded “Which Side Are You On?”, bringing it to a wider audience. He revisited the song again in 1962 with The Weavers, further cementing its place in the folk music canon and as a vital protest song. Pete Seeger’s interpretation amplified the song’s reach, introducing it to new generations of activists and music lovers. His commitment to social justice and his influential voice made him the perfect advocate for Reece’s anthem.
The song’s journey didn’t stop there. In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement embraced “Which Side Are You On?”, recognizing its universal message of solidarity against oppression. The Freedom Singers adapted the lyrics to reflect their struggle, transforming it into a gospel-infused anthem with lines like: “Come all you Negro people, lift up your voices and sing, Will you join the Ku Klux Klan, or Martin Luther King?” This adaptation demonstrated the song’s incredible versatility and its ability to become relevant in diverse struggles for justice.
“Which Side Are You On?” returned to its mining roots during the UK miners’ strike of 1984-85. Artists like Dick Gaughan and Billy Bragg revitalized the song, writing new verses specific to the British miners’ cause. Ken Loach even named his documentary about the strike after the song, highlighting its enduring relevance to labor disputes. Billy Bragg noted the song’s simple structure, comparing it to “We Shall Overcome,” making it easily adaptable for various causes. This adaptability is key to its longevity and continued use in protests around the world.
Numerous artists across genres have recorded “Which Side Are You On?”, from Deacon Blue to punk bands like Dropkick Murphys, Natalie Merchant, and even a duet by Elvis Costello and Joan Baez. Ani DiFranco’s 2012 version featured a 92-year-old Pete Seeger himself, playing banjo and singing backing vocals, a powerful testament to the song’s intergenerational appeal.
Even in contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter, reworded versions of Reece’s song have emerged, proving its timeless message continues to resonate. While a satirical use in the TV show Succession might have missed the point, its recent performance by Billy Bragg on a picket line of immigrant hotel workers in Boston underscores its true power – to promote solidarity and demand that people take a stand.
“Which Side Are You On?” remains more than just a song; it’s a question that echoes through history, challenging listeners to examine their values and choose their place in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Born from the rage of a Kentucky strike and amplified by voices like Pete Seeger, Florence Reece’s anthem continues to inspire and mobilize, reminding us that even in the face of oppression, the power of collective action and song endures.
