Climb up here lad, on my knee
And here's a penny just for thee
I've had a good week down the pit
And you should have a share of it
* * * *
I watched my dad go down that mine
In all weathers, rain, or shine
He was always, very proud to be
A worker for THE COMPANY
* * * *
He worked his way up to the face
And viewed his scars with proud like grace
A decent wage, and a home to boot
And bank account to stash our loot
* * * *
I'll never forget that fateful day
When I plucked up the nerve to say
The teacher says, a carpenters wage is good
And I've a special feel for wood
* * * *
He raged he'd have no part of it
That I should join him down the pit
Afraid of work, I'd prove to be
Not working for THE COMPANY
* * * *
Strange the way he died they say
When dad went off to work next day
The shock, they said, was just too great
They found him slumped at pad-locked gates