Jim — started to type in DIP YOUR FINGERS IN THE WATER, but I can't recall ever hearing it and I can't make heads nor tails of how it's laid out in the book. 'Fraid I'll just go on to another one until I can get it sorted out.



SILICOSIS BLUES
Trad./New music and words by Josh White

Silicosis, you made a mighty bad break of me
Silicosis, you made a mighty bad break of me
Robbed me of my youth and health
All you brought poor me was misery.

Silicosis, you're a dirty robber and a thief
Yes, silicosis, you're a dirty robber and a thief
Robbed me of my right to live and all you brought poor me is grief.

I was there diggin' that tunnel for just six bits a day
I was diggin' that tunnel for just six bits a day
Didn't know I was diggin' my grave — silicosis was eatin' my lungs away.

Six bits I got for diggin' — mmm, diggin' that tunnel hole
I got for diggin' — six bits for diggin' that tunnel hole
Takes me 'way from my baby and sure done wrecked my soul

I says Mama, Mama, Mama, please cool my fevered head
I says Mama, Mama, Mama, cool my fevered head
Going to mee my Jesus, God knows I'll soon be dead.

Now tell all my buddies, tell my friends you see
Tell all my buddies, tell my friends you see
I'm going 'way up yonder and please don't grieve for me.