Tom Worker's Song
from The Common Land by Kevin Adams
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Buy the Full Digital Album
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Compact Disc (CD) + Digital AlbumThirteen of my own songs: seven written for various Living Archive theatre and radio productions, three for the Maids Moreton's Millennium Pageant, and three strays which wandered in.
Released in 2002.
Includes unlimited streaming of The Common Land via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.ships out within 5 days5 remainingPurchasable with gift card£10 GBP or more
about
From 'Worker By Name'. Tom Worker's story of life in Stony Stratford.
lyrics
Tom Worker’s Song
Words & music: Kevin Adams
I went over to Wolverton Works
With a reputation as a lad who never shirks
I was pleased as Punch when they offered me a place
Couldn't wait to see the look on Mother's face.
If I had my way I'd be working on the land
But the next best thing is working with me hands.
No vacancies for chippies or in the foundry,
So apprentice electrician I will be.
Five in the morning, standing in the rain.
Blast that Billy if the tram is late again.
Half past twelve we stop and have a break
I find the hours very hard to take.
There's a meal each day in a basket from me mam
She sends it over with Billy on the tram.
For a lad of fourteen it's a long hard slog
Each night I come home tired as a dog
A few years on, a simple life I’ve made
Earning money and I’m settled in my trade.
But in the world outside there’s trouble in the air
And the working man must fight for what is fair.
Now the gates are locked, and the Union says strike
Teach the bosses not to do just what they like
The miners lead, we can’t stand and watch them fail-
Why did we fight the Somme and Passchendaele?
Nine short days, ended in defeat
Do you think the bosses will just leave us on the street?
Will they have me back, are they taking on men?
Can it ever be the same again?
Someone said that the railway lads have heard
That their jobs are safe the bosses gave their word
Well fine for them but it doesn't ease my fears-
There's plenty more been kicked out on their ears.
Now a young man starts to feel so old
My threadbare jacket doesn't keep me from the cold
I've a wife and a child depending on me
What the future holds I can't begin to see.
Words & music: Kevin Adams
I went over to Wolverton Works
With a reputation as a lad who never shirks
I was pleased as Punch when they offered me a place
Couldn't wait to see the look on Mother's face.
If I had my way I'd be working on the land
But the next best thing is working with me hands.
No vacancies for chippies or in the foundry,
So apprentice electrician I will be.
Five in the morning, standing in the rain.
Blast that Billy if the tram is late again.
Half past twelve we stop and have a break
I find the hours very hard to take.
There's a meal each day in a basket from me mam
She sends it over with Billy on the tram.
For a lad of fourteen it's a long hard slog
Each night I come home tired as a dog
A few years on, a simple life I’ve made
Earning money and I’m settled in my trade.
But in the world outside there’s trouble in the air
And the working man must fight for what is fair.
Now the gates are locked, and the Union says strike
Teach the bosses not to do just what they like
The miners lead, we can’t stand and watch them fail-
Why did we fight the Somme and Passchendaele?
Nine short days, ended in defeat
Do you think the bosses will just leave us on the street?
Will they have me back, are they taking on men?
Can it ever be the same again?
Someone said that the railway lads have heard
That their jobs are safe the bosses gave their word
Well fine for them but it doesn't ease my fears-
There's plenty more been kicked out on their ears.
Now a young man starts to feel so old
My threadbare jacket doesn't keep me from the cold
I've a wife and a child depending on me
What the future holds I can't begin to see.
credits
from The Common Land,
released June 23, 2002
Words & music: Kevin Adams
Words & music: Kevin Adams
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Kevin Adams Milton Keynes, UK
Blending traditional folk music with a love of other genres- classical, jazz, folk-rock, prog-rock, pop… music, music, music…
discography
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Jun 2020 -
Jul 2018 -
Sep 2015 -
Jan 2019 -
Jun 2006 -
Jun 2017 -
Dec 2016 -
Jun 2002
contact / help
Kevin Adams recommends:
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My collaborator Dave Makins - check him out.
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The Horse and the Tractor- a Radio Ballad
by The Living Archive BandFascinating social history plus great new songs from The Living Archive Band. Of which, coincidentally, I was a member.
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I Claim My Five Pounds
by StömpOK, I played in Stömp too. Bang to rights. But this is great country dance music with a rock rhythm section. Some gorgeous songs, too.
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Sweet Old Religion
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I Need to Start a Garden
by Haley Heynderickxfeatured on Bandcamp Radio Apr 10, 2018
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