"Write if you find work"

Posted by Rev. Rod Reinhart on July 29, 2003

In Reply to: "Write if you find work" posted by Lissa Hunt on July 28, 2003

I think it is a line form Strinbook's book,
the Grapes of Wrath. Mama Joad tells her son,
"Write when you find work." when he leaves. The
line got picked up, from what my friends tell me,
by Bob and Ray, the 1940's comedy duo. They ended
their radio program each week by saying,
"Write when you find work and hang by your thumbs." I first learned the phrase from my brother Ralph. He would often say good-bye by telling people, "Write when you find work."
I think the original phrase used the word "When"
instead of the word, "If" because when you are
in desperate straits, you have to assume that they
will find work.

Thanks,

Rod Reinhart

• "Write if you find work" Bob 07/29/03
  • "Write if you find work" Brian from Shawnee 07/29/03
    • "Write if you find work" Bob 07/29/03