Eek, italics gone wild. Never skip the preview feature. Here's what I intended.

And Karl Dallas says, "Mr J.S. Bell of Whiston, Lancs., who sent most of these words to be published in 'Coal' ...." (italics mine)

SO, just what went on in the early days of this song's revival? I suppose that'll be a bit hard to track down now.

- Mr. Bell published the song in "Coal" (a union publication?? It's not a good one for a Google search.) in 1951. Exact set of words unknown.

- A.L. Lloyd got his hands on it published in Come All Ye Bold Miners in 1952, and later in Folk Song in England (1967). The latter has 9 verses, doesn't include the one where they're turned out of their home.

- Recorded in 1952 in an arrangement by Bernard Stevens for A.L. Lloyd's compilation "Coal Dust Ballads", published by the Workers Music Association. Was this a recording or a print publication?

- Ewan MacColl got his hands on it, presumably from Lloyd?, and recorded it in 1963 with Peggy Seeger on banjo on Four Pence a Day, British Industrial Folk Songs, Stinson SLP 79, cut #B.01. Only the first 7 verses?

~ Becky