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Miner's Lifeguard

From The Longest Song Wiki

A traditional American trade union song. The setting is an 1891 hymn tune by Charles Davis Tillman called "Life is Like a Mountain Railway",[1] but the author of the lyrics is unknown.[2]

The song has been reworked by numerous famous folk artists throughout the years, including Dick Gaughan who repopularized it on his 1986 album True and Bold. In his song archive, he notes that some of the lyrics were changed to make them more specific to the NUM Strike of 1984-85.[3]

The Longest Johns sang it with El Pony Pisador both during their joint livestream in August 2018 and as a standalone video release on YouTube. An updated version was also included on The Longest Pony, released 21 March 2023.

Lyrics

These lyrics are based on the version from the Longest Pony EP. The original lyrics can be found here.

A miner's life is like a sailor's
Board a ship and cross the waves
Every day his life's in danger
Still he ventures being brave
Watch those rocks, they're falling daily
Careless miners always fail
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

{Chorus}
Union miners, stand together
Do not heed the owner's tale
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

You've been docked and docked again, boys
You've been loading two for one
What have you to show for working
Since your mining day is done?
Worn-out boots and worn-out miners
Lungs of stone and children pale
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

{Chorus}

In conclusion, bear in memory
Keep this password in your mind
Workers' strength cannot be broken
When in union we combine
Stand up tall and stand together
Victory shall for you prevail
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

{Chorus}

Recordings

Streaming/Purchase

YouTube Videos

Gig Videos

Full Band Streams

Chill Streams

Gaming Streams