A short life of trouble

In a dark and dusty mine

Has been my occupation

Now I walk the picket line

I was there in Bloody Harlan

When we tried to organize

The miners faced starvation

You could see it in their eyes

The Company hired some gun thugs

Many miners died it's said

They come to kill the union

But they lost their lives instead

Which side are you on boys, which side are you on?

You're either for the rich man, or the union standing strong

I came to Ney York City

In the year of '43

We would fight hitler's armies

In the war across the sea

But they would not hire a miner

To do a workmans job

At 15 cents an hour

Your pockets they will rob

Which side are you on boys, which side are you on?

You're either for the rich man, or the union standing strong

I'll never trust a rich man

As long as i draw breath

To keep his marble mansion

He'll starve a child to death

And when my life is over

Don't mourn my passing long

Organize resistance

And keep the Union strong!

So here's to every miner

Who dared to take a stand

Who lived to feed his family

And died a Union man!