Here’s a love song to co-operators everywhere featuring photos and images of co-op events in Philly and elsewhere. Turn on the closed captions to see the lyrics onscreen!

Lyrics by PACA member Caitlin Quigley

Vocals by Owen Lyman-Schmidt, lead singer of Philly band Driftwood Soldier

Based on Jim Croce’s song “Operator”

Images borrowed from lots of Philly co-operators and from national and international co-ops and co-op allies.

Lyrics:

Co-operator, I’d like to hear your principles
You’re a leading candidate for my affections
I’m used to profiteers
But they’ve been cruel to me for years
And they don’t invite me to their board elections

Tell me how it feels when you own the place
That you get all your food
Or housing or banking or energy
Or living wage work and a 403(b), and to know
where any profits go
it’s in your dividend
and now I start to see
this isn’t just a trend
the co-op decade is here
so I’ll join the pioneers

Co-operator, how can I learn democracy?
I’d like to get more practice in cooperation
After this workshift
I’ll take advantage of the 5th
Some education, training and information

Tell me how it feels when you own the place
That you get all your food
Or housing or banking or energy
Or living wage work and a 403(b), and to know
where any profits go
it’s in your dividend
and now I start to see
this isn’t just a trend
the co-op decade is here
so I’ll join the pioneers

Co-operator, I’d like to buy my share today
To be a member-owner of this co-op business
Together we are strong
One billion people all belong
And you can sing along

Don’t you think it’s time we-e made the switch
To people over profit
Goodbye to the landlords and bosses too
Farewell to the big banks and mystery food, and hello
to helping co-ops grow
to more autonomy
to building block by block
our new economy
the co-op decade is here
so I’ll join the pioneers