On this day, it's appropriate to pause to reflect on the folks who made this holiday a reality: the people of organized labor, who have been fighting for workers for more than 100 years. And the fight goes on.

Today, I also like to remember the historical antecedents of the labor movement, from the dawn of the industrial revolution, as capitalism began to move into a new phase where machines replaced workers. The best known of these groups were displaced weavers, called the Luddites, named after their founder: Captain Ludd.

02 The Hands of Captain Ludd by jmcdaid

Lyrics here, and free mp3 download here (right-click to save).