Billy Bragg
A Miner’s Life
[Verse 1]
A miner's life is like a sailor's
Aboard a ship to cross the waves
Every day his life's in danger
Still he ventures, being brave
Watch the rocks, they're falling daily
Careless miners often fail
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

[Chorus]
Union miners, stand together
Do not heed the Coal Board's tales
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

[Verse 2]
You've been docked and docked again, boys
You've been loading three to one
What've you to show for working
When your mining days are done?
Worn-out shoes and worn-out miners
Blackened lungs and faces pale
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale
[Chorus]
Union miners, stand together
Do not heed the Coal Board's tales
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

[Verse 3]
In conclusion, bear in memory
Keep this watch-word in your mind
A worker's strength cannot be broken
When in union we combine
Stand up tall and stand together
Victory for you prevails
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale

[Chorus]
Union miners, stand together
Do not heed the Coal Board's tales
Keep your hands upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale