In our Durham county,
I am sorry for to say,
That hunger and starvation
is increasing every day.
For the want of food and coals
we know not what to do,
but with your kind assistance
we will stand the struggle through.
I need not state the reason
why we have been brought slow.
The masters have behaved unkind
as everyone will know,
because we won't lie down
and let them treat us as they like.
To punish us they've stopped their pits
and caused the present strike.
The pulley -wheels have ceased to move,
Which went so swift around.
The horses and the ponies,
Are brought from underground.
Our work is taken from us now,
They cannot afford die,
For they can eat the best of food
And drink the best when dry.
The miner and his marito
Each mornin' have to roam
To seek for bread to feed
The hungry little ones at home.
The flower -barrel is empty now,
That ruined faithful friend,
Which makes the thousands wish today
The strike was at an end.
We have done our very best,
As honest working men,
To let the pits commence again,
we've offered to them ten.
They offer, they will not accept,
they firmly do demand.
Thirteen and a half percent,
or let their colliery stand.
Let them stand or let them lie,
to do with them as they choose.
To give them thirteen and a half,
we ever shall refuse.
They're always willing to receive,
but never inclined to give.
Very soon they won't allow
a walking man to live.
The miners of Northumberland
we shall forever praise
For being so kind in helping us
those tyrannising days.
We thank the other counties too
that have been doing the same
For every man who hears this song
will know we're not to blame
Thank you very much. you