THE DURHAM LOCKOUT

In our Durham County I am sorry for to say
That hunger and starvation are increasing every day
For the want of food and coals we know not what to do
But with your kind assistance we will see the struggle through

Now I need not state the reason why we have been brought so low
All the masters have behaved unkind as everyone will know
For we won't lie down and let them treat us as they like
To punish us they've stopped the pits and caused the present strike

May every Durham colliery owner that is in the fault
Receive nine lashes with the rod and then be rubbed with salt
May his arse be thick with boils so that he can never sit
And never burst 'til all the wheels go round at every pit

For the pulley wheels have ceased to move that once went swift around
The horses and the ponies too have been brought from underground
Our work is taken from us for they care not if we die
For they can eat the best of food and drink the best when dry

While the miner and his poor wife too each morning have to roam
To seek for bread to feed the hungry little ones at home
The flour barrel is empty now, our true and faithful friend
Which makes the thousands wish today the strike was at an end

We have done our very best as honest working men
To let the pits commence again we've offered to them ten
The offer they will not accept, they firmly do demand
Thirteen and a half per cent or let the collieries stand

Well let them stand or let them lie, do with them as you choose
To give them thirteen and a half we ever shall refuse
They're always willing to receive but not inclined to give
And very soon they won't allow a working man to live

With tyranny and capital they never rest content
Unless they are endeavouring to take from us per cent
If it were due what they request we willing would give
But very soon they won't allow a working man to live

Now the miners of Northumberland we shall forever praise
For being so kind in helping us these tyrannising days
We thank the other counties too for they've been doing the same
And everyone who hears this song will know we're not to blame


(lyrics: Tommy Armstrong / music: trad. arr. The Whisky Priests)