Song from an African mine

SONG FROM AN AFRICAN MINE

Bare knuckles bleed, but the scrape is honest,

sing loud Cousin Jack, sing loud.

Flute the air with your song,

your shift has come and gone,

sing loud Cousin Jack, sing loud.

..

But they've no need for tin, copper's worn thin,

stay proud Cousin Jack, stay proud.

Leave your wife and your kids,

they need blankets on their beds.

Stay proud Cousin Jack, stay proud.

..

Deep underground, in a Transvaal tunnel,

sing low Cousin Jack, sing low,

for the roof may fall in

and what will happen then

to your kin Cousin Jack, to your kin?

..

If the ganger sneers at your sweat and tears,

stay proud Cousin Jack, stay proud.

Show your grit through the grime

in that white labour mine,

stay proud Cousin Jack, stay proud.

..

And if this song wears thin as night draws in,

think home Cousin Jack, think home.

For your kids will be free

and your wife proud of thee.

Sing loud Cousin Jack, sing loud.

Between 1861 and 1901, thousands of Cornish (UK) miners had to work overseas because of the collapse of the mining industry. Many of these men sent 'home pay' - money to help keep their families out of the workhouse. At the end of the 19th Century, about £1 million a year was being sent back from the Transvaal in South Africa alone. Cousin Jack is the colloquial name for Cornish emigrants.