The Colliers March

The summer was over, the season unkind
In harvesters' snow, how uncommon to find!
The times were oppressive, and well be it known
That hunger will strongest, all fences break down

T'was then from their selves the black gentry stepped out
With bludgeons determined to stir up a rout
The prince of the party, who revelled from home
Was a terrible fellow, and called Irish Tom

He brandished his bludgeon with dexterous skill
And close to his elbow was placed Barley Will
There instantly followed a numerous train
As cheerful as bold Robin Hood's merry men

Sworn to remedy a capital fault
Bring down the exorbitant price of the mould
From Dudley to Walsall they trip it along
And Hampton was truly alarmed at the throng

Women and children wherever they go
Shouting out, O the brave Dudley boys, O!
With nailers and spinners, the cavalcade join
The markets to lower their flattering design

Six days out of seven poor nailing boys get
Little else at their meals but potatoes to eat
For bread hard they labour, good things never carve
And swort were as well to be hanged as to starve

Such are the feelings in every land
Nothing necessity's call can withstand
And riots are certain to sadden the year
When six penny loaves as three-pounders appear