Newsies is an American musical that gives a dramatized account of the newsboy strike of 1899. In the musical, Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World, hikes the prices at which the newsies have to purchase the papers they sell, a move matched by his competitors. This leaves the newsboys, children often forced by circumstance to work the streets to survive, in an even worse circumstance. They have nowhere else to go and no alternative, so they decide to draw the line and to go on strike.
They do not dispute Pulitzer's ownership of the paper. They do not say that he has deprived himself of office by his unjust act. They do not advance some ridiculous claim that they are entitled to exercise control over the printing presses or to set the prices themselves. They do not issue a fraternal correction to Joe. What they do is to make their position on injustice clear and to choose not to do what they are entitled not to do. (Let the reader understand!) Likewise, they do not turn on the scabbers who come to take their place; they persuade them through the justice of their position that all of the newsies are in this together.
I cannot help think that if certain groups within the Church would behave with the good sense that these children exercised, to rally others to the justice of their position by solidarity rather than attempting to usurp authority, they would have a great deal more support. On the justice of that position, though, I can't say it any better than the newsies did.
Pulitzer may own the world, but he don't own usPulitzer may own the world, but he don't own us!
Pulitizer may crack the whip, but he won't whip us
Pulitizer may crack the whip, but he won't whip us!
We been keepin' score
Either they gives us our rights or we gives them a war
We've been down too long
And we paid our dues
And the things we do today will be tomorrow's news
And the die is cast
And the torch is passed
And the roar will rise
From the streets below
And our ranks will grow and grow and grow and so
The world will feel the fire and finally know!
Pulitzer may own the world, but he don't own us!
Pulitzer may crack the whip, but he won't whip us!
Pulitzer may crack the whip, but he won't whip us!
Well the kids do too
Try to walk all over us, we'll stomp all over you
Can they kick us out?
Take away our vote?
Will we let them stuff this crock o' garbage down our throat? No!
Everyday we wait
Is a day we lose
And this ain't for fun
And it ain't for show
And we'll fight 'em toe to toe to toe and so
Your world will feel the fire and finally, finally know!
