the song has unusual structure for a broadway song. firstly, rather than starting in a major key, as most broadway songs do, it begins in a minor key, which is darker, and more appropriate for the depression. when discussing the prosperous past and building the railroads, the song jumps an octave and moves briefly into a major key, evoking energy and optimism. it then reverts to a minor key in the word "time" in the line "once i built a railroad, made it run / made it race against time," marking the end of prosperous times, and changing to a wistful mood. the song then ends, not on a note of resignation, but with anger – repeating the beginning (as is usual for broadway songs), an octave higher, but with a significant change: the friendly ""brother," can you spare a dime?" is replaced with the aggressive ""buddy," can you spare a dime?"