Colliers March Lyrics - Chumbawamba

The summer was over the season unkind 

In harvest a snow, how uncommon to find 

The times were oppressive and well it be known 

That hunger will's strongest offenses break down 

'Twas then from theirselves the black gentry stepped out 

With bludgeons determined to stir up a rout 

The prince of the party who revelled from home 

Was a terrible fellow and called Irish Thom 

He brandished his bludgeon with dexterous skill 

And close to his elbow was placed Bonny (?) Will 

There instantly followed a numerous train 

As cheerful as bold Robin Hood's merry men 

Sworn to remedy a capital foe 

And bring down the exorbitant price of the mault 

From Dudley to Walshire they tripp'ed along 

And Hampton was truly alarmed at the throng 

Women and children wherever they go 

Shouting out "Oh the brave Dudley boys!" all 

With nailers and spinners the cavalcade joined 

The markets to lower their flutt'ring design 

Six days out of seven poor nailing boys get 

Little else at their meals but potatos to eat 

For bread hard they labor, good things never carve 

And swore 'twere as well to be hanged as to starve 

Such are the feelings in every land 

Nothing necessities call can withstand 

And riots are certain to sadden the year 

When six penny loaves are three pound as up here