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Mary Brooksbank (1897-1978) adjusted the lyrics from this Scottish folk song and then wrote verses 2 and 3. She based her lyrics on her own difficult experience of working in a jute mill.
Lyrics - Scots
(Based on a folk tune from Scotland, lyrics by Mary Brooksbank: 1897-1978)
Oh dear me, the mill’s gannin’ fast
The puir wee shifters canna get a rest
Shiftin’ bobbins coorse and fine
They fairly mak’ ye work for your ten and nine
Oh dear me, I wish the day was done
Rinnin’ up and doon the Pass it is nae fun
Shiftin’, piecin’, spinnin’ warp weft and twine
Tae feed and clad my bairnie affen ten and nine
Oh dear me, the warld is ill divided
Them that works the hardest are the least provided
I maun bide contented, dark days or fine
For there’s nae much pleasure livin’ affen ten and nine
English Translation
Oh dear me, the mill’s going fast
The poor dear mill workers cannot get a rest
Shifting bobbins coarse and fine
They fairly make you work for your ten and nine*
Oh dear me, I wish the day was done
Running up and down the Pass it is not fun
Shifting, piecing, spinning twist yarn and twine
To feed and clothe my child often ten and nine
Oh dear me, the world is ill-divided
Those who work the hardest are the least provided
I must stay contented, dark days or fine
For there’s not much pleasure living often ten and nine
*how much they were paid
See also
- Country: Scotland
- Subject: mill
- Harmony: chords I, IV, V
- Scale: hexachord
- Tones: m,s,l,drmfsl
- Article – Jute mill songs: Mary Brooksbank and industrial tradition in a dying industry
YouTube
- PDF of song with chords
- MIDI file
- Listen to the melody
