I Can Hew

from The Ties That Bind by Mawkin

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about

I Can Hew Boys / Lady Dainty - (David Dodds / Trad arr Mawkin)
Dave first heard this sung by the late great shanty singer Johnny Collins. We think it conjures imagery of folks carving away in the dirt and darkness. We doubt people who danced to this 'dainty' Playford tune had any business being in a mine.

lyrics

On Saint Monday's day, it's well I do admire,
When I sit at home by my own coal fire.
Then it's off to the pub, for a glass or two
For to work on a Monday, that would never do.

Well I like my whiskey and I like my beer.
I'll drink fourteen pints and I'll not feel queer.
I can hold my beer as good as any man.
And I'll dance and sing as long as I can.

Chorus:
I can hew boys, I can hack it out
I can hew the coal, I can dance and shout.
I can hew boys, coal that's black and fine,
I'm a collier lad, working down the mine.

Well my boy's fourteen, now he's a strappin' lad
And he'll go to he pits soon, just like his dad.
And when Friday comes, we'll pick up our pay.
And we'll drink together, to round out the day.

CHORUS

And its when I'm dead, oh I know full well,
I'll not go to heaven, I am bound for hell.
With my pick and shovel, old Nick he'll admire,
And he'll set me hewin' coal for his own fire.

CHORUS

credits

from The Ties That Bind, released July 20, 2015

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Mawkin London, UK

Folk rebels, Mawkin, fresh off the back of the three-times-BBC-Folk -Award nominated collaboration Mawkin:Causley, are now forging a bold new sound that strengthens their instrumental roots and embraces a new, exuberant exploration into the traditional folk canon. ... more

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