I picked up the following song at a folk fest about twenty years ago. I've never heard the song again. I perform it often and would like to credit the composer. I don't even know the title of the piece. Bruce Phillips once mentioned to me that he thought he might know who wrote it, but I lost the name! The lyrics (as I sing them) are as follows:

Today he danced with Molly Hogan, tonight he's lying in the clay
And if it weren't the end of his life it would be just another day
He was out there swingin' rigging, though he called it "tending hook"
He didn't have much education but he died by the book

It was a high ball operation and the boss a greedy man
He always made the rigging crew feed it fast they can
But today old Joe was much too slow, it caught him on the run
And there wasn't much to haul away when the whistle's work was done

Well Joe, he had himself a widow and she went to the boss man
Trying to piece together just a little helping hand
But the boss, he said "I'm sorry, but I just can't help you out"
And when the boys came crowding in, well he raised his voice to shout...

CHORUS: He was only just a timber beast, so I'll hear no more of him
His life it was his chosen one, if his death a little grim
It wasn't for the luxury, it wasn't for the pay
That made him work out in the woods, made him die that way!

(repeat 1st verse and chorus)

The lyrics may not all be correct. Any information or corrections would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance....Mike