At Nick Hert's mine near Trenton
Where we put on eighty tons,
Oh, everything was right about
No matter where we'd turn
But we kept on a-moving
For we must heed duty's call
And landed safe in Cleveland
Where we laid up for the fall

Window-glass ice everywhere
We handled lines with gloves
They soon were wet, our hands so cold
And that nobody loves
But soon we were all winter-set
0 yes, were feeling fine
And eating nuts while cracking jokes
Of things along the line

That winter was the limit, 0 yes,
For us Big Ditch boys;
Had everything at our command
That city folk enjoy.
No matter how the cards would run,
My heart would sing and smile;
I learned these things, yes, years ago
Upon the old canal.

The feather-bedders were unique,
The side-liners just the same;
They worked or played just as they chose
'Twas their part in the game.
But on our boats we loved to go,                  ,
We moved just for the fun,
While Misses Long Green Silver dollar
We kept on the run!

But who in God's creation
Can enumerate this life?
'Tis so unique and lovely
Where the heart is free from strife.
I'm dyed in wool a Canaler;
I don't care what be the sky,
I'll stay upon the Great Big Ditch
Until the day I die!

@canal @work
Recorded by Pearl Nye (Library of Congress)
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