Share a song about this topic - a verse and chorus, all the lyrics, a link to lyrics, MP3, or download, or just tell us the title and reason it is a special song in your mind. Our ancestors sang about their jobs a great deal, even when some of those jobs were pretty rough and one would think they would prefer to forget them after a long day's work. I can think of songs about railroading, farming, whaling, and others. Personally, I have a fondness for songs about mining, and a particular appreciation for the song "Sully's Pail," about a coal miner who gave his life for his friend and work companion. It was written by Dick Gibbons (originally incorrectly written as Dick Giddons) and was recorded by Tom Paxton back in the 1960s on his album Ain't That News (now available on CD). I sing it as he did: a capella. It is one of those songs that, when you hear it, it sticks with you.
The lyrics, along with the updates re: author, background, and terminology, are provided at
Or check Tom's recording of it at
An interesting thread about this song, its misinterpretations, and past wrongs being righted is detailed at Mudcat Cafe:
Your turn! Celebrate Labor Day by sharing a song of labor!
You can't have this type of post without including "I've been workin on the railroad". It used to be one of my favorites to sing when I was a kid and it is one that is still sung by children today. I love songs that the adults and the kids can sing together and that they both enjoy!
ReplyDeletePatty, I expected "Whistle While you Work" from you, but this would also be one I could see you coming up with! I try to leave the obvious ones for others!
ReplyDeleteAnd from one old Mariner to the other, a sea Chantey, sung by sailors working on a ship! "The Mermaid"
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boLChxwKkJ4