<> page <English Rebel Songs 1381-1984> album page |
Poverty Knock[Chorus]'Poverty poverty knock,' my loom is a saying all day Poverty poverty knock, gaffer's too skinny to pay Poverty poverty knock, keeping one eye on the clock I know I can guttle when I hear my shuttle go, 'poverty poverty knock' Up every morning at five, I wonder that we keep alive Tired and yawning another cold morning It's back to the dreary old drive. [Repeat chorus] Oh dear we're going to be late Gaffer is stood at the gate We're out of pocket, our wages they'll docket We'll have to buy grub on the slate [Repeat chorus] And when our wages they bring, we're often short of a string While we are fighting with gaffer for snatching We know to his brass he will cling [Repeat chorus] Sometimes a shuttle flies out and gives some poor woman a clout There she lies bleeding but nobody's heeding Oh who's going to carry her out? [Repeat chorus] Oh dear, my poor head it sings I should have woven three strings My threads are breaking and my back is aching Oh dear, I wish I had wings Poverty poverty knock Poverty poverty knock Poverty poverty knock |