DURHAM LOCKOUT

by Tommy Armstrong



In our Durham County, I am sorry for to say

That hunger and starvation is increasing every day

For the want of food and coals, we know not what to do

But with your kind assistance, we will stand the struggle through



I need not state the reason why we have been brought so low

The masters have behaved unkind, as everyone well know

Because we won't lie down and let them treat us as they like

To punish us they've stopped their pits and caused the present

strike



The pulley wheel have ceased to move which went so swift around

The horses and the ponies too are brought from underground

Our work is taken from us now, they care not if we die

For they can eat the best of food and drink the best when dry



The miner and his marra, too, each morning have to roam

To seek for bread to feed the hungry little ones at home

The flour barrel is empty now, their 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 percent or let the collieries stand



Let them stand or let them lie to do with them as they choose

To give them thirteen and a half we ever shall refuse

They're always willing to receive, but never inclined to give

Very soon they won't allow a working man to live



With tyranny and capital they never seem content

Unless they are endeavoring to take from us percent

If it was due, what they request, we willingly would grant

We know it's not, therefore we cannot give them what they want



The miners of Northhumberland, we shall forever praise

For being so kind in helping us, those tyrannizing days

We thank the other counties too, that have been doing the same

For every man who hears this song will know we're not to blame



@work @union @England @mine

by Tommy Armstrong(1848-1919)

recorded on Tommy Armstrong of Tyneside (Topic)

filename[ DURHLOCK

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