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about

My grandma used to sing this song to me while she baked bread in the kitchen. While it used to make me laugh as a kid, it wasn’t until recent times when I rediscovered the song embedded within a Labour songbook that was given to me by my friend, Chris. This song follows the Wobblie’s format of writing socially conscious lyrics to the melody of well-known hymns.

lyrics

D
Oh, why don't I work like other men do?
A D
How the hell can I work when the skies are so blue?

D A
Hallelujah! I'm a bum, Hallelujah bum again,
D G A D
Hallelujah! give us a handout to revive us again.

I like Joe Hill he’s a good friend of mine
That’s why I’m out marching on the picket line

I went to a store and I asked for some bread,
The lady said, "Scram, bum, the baker is dead!"

I went to a bar and I asked for a drink,
The barkeeper got a glass and he showed me the sink

I might be a bum but I’m happy as sin
I’m got a smile on my face and a song here to sin

There’s good company wherever I go
In this union of ramblers and drifting hobos

credits

from The Kitchen Chorus Songbook, released November 9, 2011

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about

Joe Vickers Drumheller, Alberta

Farmer by day, troubadour by night, Joe Vickers has logged countless miles on both his combine and tour van. His music explores the human spirit singing of the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life on the prairies.

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