Right That Time, A song by Maurie Mulheron ©1998 They speak about it proudly, it's now union folklore How wharfies wouldn't load any pig-iron for war Japan was a threat so they walked off the job They wouldn't help the fascists for old Pig-iron Bob Chorus: They were right that time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods Indonesia's young and fighting to be free But the Dutch had different plans for their former colony When the people rose up with freedom on their lips The wharfies stopped loading any Dutch bound ships Chorus: They were right that time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods Korea was in trouble, overrun by the Yanks Wharfies told to load rifles, guns and tanks Why get involved in this bloody civil war? We're not gonna ship any weapons anymore! Chorus: They were right that time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods Pig-iron Bob's back, says we're off to Vietnam Tugging his forelocks for good old Uncle Sam The seamen wouldn't work on the war ship 'Boonaroo' And the wharfies held the line when they sacked the ship's crew Chorus: They were right that time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods The struggle's moved on, mass sackings overnight The union's survival is the heart of the fight We'll defy your threats, your thugs and court We're standing united, no wharfie can be bought! Chorus: They were right that time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods History's on our side, we'll see this battle through There's too much at stake for the profits of the few Our fathers, before us, stood on every picket line Keep their mem'ries alive and we'll win every time. Last Chorus: They've been right ev'ry time and they're right again now But the strength of one isn't much of a power So united they stand against all odds Fighting for us all against the little tin gods Notes Maurie Mullheron emailed this song as the Wharfies were mobilising for a battle to defend their right to organise. Today (Feb 9th 1998), the attempt by the National Farmers Federation and its Federal Government backers to set up a non union wharf at Web Dock in Melbourne is the main front of the battle. Maurie's song is a timely reminder of how far back the battle extends. Maurie sings this song on the MUA Centenary CD "With These Arms" which I have, & there are lots of good songs on it. Audio
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