Redundancy Blues - David McWilliams

Through many a long year my table was full

And among many others I was chosen

To stand in the heat of the factory’s hum

While the others outside they stood frozen

Yes my head it was empty, my pockets was full

And my hands and my fingers was itching

And I laughed at the shadows that stood in the cold

While I stood full warm in the kitchen

All my children they laughed as they grew at my feet

And my woman said she loved me dearly

And my vision was blocked by the words from their mouths

So that I couldn’t see very clearly

Ah, but one day a man came to my factory

Stood up and said this place is closing

Said I’m sorry my friends, we can’t keep you here

For far too much money we’re losing

Now the winter is here and my hands they are numb

And for me every door says no entry

There’s no turf on the fire, and my heart is so cold

And my belly is always so empty

Now my woman and children have left me alone

And lower and lower I’m sinking

There’s no money left for me to take down

To drown all my troubles in drinking