Hello Muscattananites!

Finally had a chance to hear Steve Earle's song, "Galway Girl" from the Sharon Shannon and Friends recording. Fell in love with the tune and the instrumental hook. The more I listened to it the more I heard it with new lyrics shaping in my mind, demanding it be changed into a song for working people, a union/labour song. Here's what I came up with using his melody. Simply called, "UNION MAN". The point being that we all have to make choices on which side we'll be on in the coming days.

For the cause that never dies,
Len Wallace

UNION MAN
music Steve Earle, lyrics Len Wallace

I took a stroll 'round the old coal town
One day-I-ay-I-ay
And I met good folk bein' hard put down
That day-I-ay-I-ay
And I ask you now, Tell me what would you do,
When the boss man turns his back on you?
And knew right then, I would give 'em a hand,
That day I learned to be a Union Man.

The cops came down with gas and guns
that day-I-ay-I-ay
And the company boys thought they'd have some fun.
So I crossed that road, 'cause I made up my mind
To join those good folks on the line.
And the women and men, they put up a stand
And those company thugs turned tail and ran!

Well, it seems the same the whole world 'round...
That the rich folk keep the poor ones down.
And I tell you, friend, When it's all said and done.
That you got to choose which side you'rr on.
And I'm proud to say that I'd do it again,
Like the day I learned to be a Union Man.