LAST TRIP IN THE FALL

(Pearl Nye)



At Nick Hert's mine near Trenton

Where we put on eighty tons,

Seemed everything was right about

No matter where we'd turn,

But we kept on a-moving

For we must heed duty's call

And landed safe in Cleveland,

Where we laid up for the fall.



Window-glass ice everywhere,

We handled lines with gloves,

They soon were wet, our hands so cold,

And that nobody loves;

But soon we were all winter-set,

0 yes, were feeling fine,

And eating nuts while cracking jokes

Of things along the line.



That winter was the limit, 0 yes,

For us Big Ditch boys;

Had everything at our command

That city folk enjoy.

No matter how the cards would run,

My heart would sing and smile;

I learned these things, yes, years ago

Upon the old canal.



The feather-bedders were unique,

The side-liners just the same;

They worked or played just as they chose

'Twas their part in the game.

But on our boats we loved to go, ,

We moved just for the fun,

While Misses Long Green Silver dollar

We kept on the run!



But who in God's creation

Can enumerate this life?

'Tis so unique and lovely

Where the heart is free from strife.

I'm dyed in wool a Canaler;

I don't care what be the sky,

I'll stay upon the Great Big Ditch

Until the day I die!



@canal @work

Recorded by Pearl Nye (Library of Congress)

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