| [00:09.51] |
It's good of you to ask me, Sir, to tell you how I spend the day |
| [00:16.07] |
Well in a coal black tunnel, Sir, I hurry corves to earn my pay |
| [00:25.44] |
The corves are full of coal, kind Sir, I push them with my hands and head |
| [00:32.75] |
It isn't lady-like, but Sir, you've got to earn your daily bread |
| [00:45.07] |
I push them with my hands and head, and so my hair gets worn away |
| [00:52.95] |
You see this baldy patch I've got, it shames me like I just can't say |
| [00:58.63] |
A lady's hands are lily white, but mine are full of cuts and segs |
| [01:10.82] |
And since I'm pushing all the time, I've great big muscles on my legs |
| [01:21.76] |
|
| [01:24.51] |
I try to be respectable, but sir, the shame, God save my soul |
| [01:31.57] |
I work with naked, sweating men who curse and swear and hew the coal |
| [01:40.45] |
The sights, the smells, the sounds, kind Sir, not even God could sense my shame |
| [01:48.45] |
I say my prayers, but what's the use? Tomorrow will be just the same |
| [01:55.82] |
|
| [02:04.19] |
Now, sometimes, Sir, I don't feel well, my stomach's sick, my head it aches |
| [02:11.32] |
I've got to hurry best I can. My knees feel weak, my back near breaks |
| [02:18.50] |
And then I'm slow, and then I'm scared these naked men will batter me |
| [02:27.75] |
They can't be blamed, but if I'm slow, their families will starve, you see |
| [02:43.26] |
All the lads, they laugh at me, and Sir, the mirror tells me why |
| [02:52.51] |
Pale and dirty can't look nice. It doesn't matter how I try |
| [02:58.75] |
Great big muscles on my legs, a baldy patch upon my head |
| [03:06.57] |
A lady, Sir? Oh, no, not me! I should have been a boy instead |
| [03:13.51] |
|
| [03:20.71] |
I praise your good intentions, Sir, I love your kind and gentle heart |
| [03:28.52] |
But now it's 1842, and you and me, we're miles apart |
| [03:37.34] |
A hundred years and more will pass before we're walking side by side |
| [03:44.71] |
But please accept my grateful thanks. God bless you Sir, at least you tried |