trad
The Digital Tradition attributes it to Charles Davies Tillman with words anon., and says it is "an 1890ish parody on Life is Like a Mountain Railway, ca. 1870".
Miner’s life is like a sailor’s
‘Board a ship to cross the waves.
Ev’ry day his life’s in danger,
Still he ventures being brave.
Watch the rocks, they’re falling daily,
Careless miners always fail.
Keep your hand upon the wages
And your eye upon the scale.
Chorus:
Union miners stand together,
Do not heed the owner’s tale,
Keep your hand upon the wages,
And your eye upon the scale.
You’ve been docked and docked again, boys,
You’ve been loading two to four;
What have you to show for working
Since this mining has begun?
Worn-out boots and worn-out miners,
Lungs of stone and children pale.
Keep your hand upon your wages
And your eye upon the scale.
In conclusion, bear in memory,
Keep the password in your mind:
God provides for every worker
When in union they combine.
Stand like men and linked together,
Victory for you’ll prevail.
Keep your hand upon the wages
And your eye upon the scale.