Oh dear me, the mill is runnin' fast
Poor we shifters canno' get no rest
Shifting bobbins, coarse and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine
Oh dear me, I wish the day was done
Running up and down the pass is no fun
Shiftin', piecin', spinning warp, weft and twine
To feed and clothe my baby who's off of ten and nine
Oh dear me, the world is ill-divided
Them that works the hardest are the least provided
But I must bide contented, dark days or fine
There's no much pleasure livin' off of ten and nine
Oh dear me, the mill is runnin' fast
Poor we shifters canno' get no rest
Shiftin' bobbins, coarse and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine