Bow Hauliers
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A TLJ original written by Robbie Sattin, released as track 8 on Ends of the Earth on 1 May 2026.
Factoids
Bow hauliers were men who worked in teams of 20 hauling trows on the Rivers Severn and Wye. These were large, flat-bottomed barges, towed from shore, which could carry cargoes of up to 250 tons. They were used to haul coal, timber, and other important materials.[1]
In the early 19th century, towpaths that could accommodate horses were completed, and as it became cheaper to haul freight with horsepower rather than manpower, these jobs eventually became obsolete.[2]
Lyrics
Very kindly provided by the band.
When the fast flowing waters go kissing the banks
Bird calls like mourning from bushel and branch
We haul the trows along river and creek
Get our sweet respite and pay for the week
{Chorus 1}
We are the hauliers, hands hard and strong
Pulling the barges all summer's day long
Cheaper than horses but nothing is free
Hard up the river and back to the sea
Worn like the ropes every step that we tread
Pull down the mast there's a bridge up ahead
Don't fear the load as it digs in your back
You'll find the casks easier on up the track
{Chorus 1}
When the tide brings the ships up as far as they'll go
The flat bottom barges are stocked high and low
Labour is cheap and they don't ask no names
Pull out your wallet and we'll pull on them chains
{Chorus 1}
{Chorus 2}
Here's to the hauliers, hands hard and strong
Stomping up river and down for so long
Trade on the Wye 'til they're broken and old
And the gold eye of summer has left them in cold