Bruce Springsteen - Youngstown, Bob Dylan - North Country Blues (live Newport 63)

WEDNESDAY CLUB

CLOSING TIME

'so I watch the Talbot Steelers'

 

 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - YOUNGSTOWN

I was thinking about the mines and steel mills closing down. I thought how it affected whole areas and towns. I thought about two of the great mining songs by the the Masters. I did a little effort which really should not be so close to such inspired songs but here it is.

PORT TALBOT

We used to be the pride of Wales
the biggest works in Europe
a harbor fit for the greatest ships
to bring us coal and iron ore
now there closing down the mills
there will be no steel no more

4000 men will lose their jobs
wives and kids
will feel your trouble
join the queue on the dole
they never learned from days gone by
when they shut down our coal

I worked for the mills all my live
as did my father before me
happy to work drink and play
watch our beloved Wanderers
can't afford to drink or go there
so I watch the Talbot Steelers

Now I'm stuck at home every day
we argue at the least thing
its' these poor  kids that suffer
no treats which they deserve
I've lost all my hope and dignity
and I'm  living on my nerves

Sitting alone there on these docks
starring out to Swansea Bay
thinking of my times at the mill
all my mates and camaraderie
never take your life for granted
it turns like the wind and sea  

4000 men will lose their jobs
wives and kids
will feel your trouble
join the queue on the dole
they never learned from days gone by
when they shut down our coal

 

BOB DYLAN - North Country Blues (Live Newport 1963)