I learned this version from the Sheffield part of the Woodcraft Folk delegation to the world Youth Festival Sofia 1968. I'm not sure if it is traditional or written for a theatre show in the 60s. Does anyone out there know?

To be a Sheffield grinder it is no easy trade.
There's more than you'd imagine in the grinding of a blade.
The strongest man amongst us is old at 32.

CHORUS: There are few who brave such hardships as we poor grinders do.

When our country goes to war, then our masters quickly say,
"Orders countermanded," our work they'll all lay by.
Your prices you must settle and you'll be stinted too. CHORUS

And every working day, we are breathing dust and steel,
And a broken stone can give us a wound that will not heal.
There's many an honest grinder struck down by such a blow. CHORUS

There's many an honest grinder who's thus been snatched away,
Without one moment's warning to meet his judgement day.
Before his judge he must appear, his final doom to know. CHORUS

There's many an honest grinder whose family is large,
With all his best endeavours cannot his debts discharge.
When children cry for bread, how pitiful the view. CHORUS