Oh, dear me, the mill's gaen fast, An' 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 is no' nae fun; Shiftin', piecin', spinnin' warp weft and twine, Tae feed and cled my bairnie affen ten and nine. Oh, dear me, the warld's ill divided, Them that work the hardest are aye wi' least provided, But I maun bide contented, dark days or fine, There's nae much pleasure living affen ten and nine. Oh, dear me, the mill's gaen fast, An' the puir wee shifters canna get a rest. Shiftin' bobbins, coorse and fine, They fairly mak' ye work for your ten and nine.
recording: Karine Polwart [YouTube]
recording: Karine Polwart with Blabbermouth [YouTube]
background: original poem text [Electric Scotland]
background: song history and discography [Mainly Norfolk]