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  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    2005 EP release of IWW labor tunes

    Includes unlimited streaming of Hallelujah! I'm a Bum EP via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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about

Original song by Joe Hill: Wobbly, martyr, and class hero.

lyrics

The workers on the S.P. line to strike sent out a call
But Casey Jones, the engineer, he wouldn't strike at all
His boiler it was leaking, and its driver's on the bum
And his engine and its bearings they were all out of plumb

Casey Jones kept his junk pile running
Casey Jones was working double time
Casey Jones got a wooden medal
For being good and faithful on the S.P. line

The workers said to Casey: "Won't you help us win this strike?"
But Casey said: "Let me alone, you'd better take a hike."
Then Casey's wheezy engine ran right off the worn-out track
And Casey hit the river with an awful crack

Casey Jones hit the river bottom
Casey Jones broke his blooming spine
Casey Jones turned into an angel
He took a trip to heaven on the S.P. line

When Casey Jones got up to heaven to the Pearly Gate
He said: "I'm Casey Jones, the guy that pulled the S.P. freight."
"You're just the man," said Peter, "our musicians are on strike
You can get a job a-scabbing any time you like."

Casey Jones got a job in heaven
Casey Jones was doing mighty fine
Casey Jones went scabbing on the angels
just like he did to workers on the S.P. line.

The angels got together and they said it wasn't fair
For Casey Jones to go around a-scabbing everywhere
The Angel Union No. 23, they sure were there
And they promptly fired Casey down the Golden Stair

Casey Jones went to Hell a-flying
"Casey Jones," the Devil said, "Oh fine
Casey Jones, get busy shoveling sulfur
That's what you get for scabbing on the S.P. line."

credits

from Hallelujah! I'm a Bum EP, released January 1, 2005

license

all rights reserved

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about

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Shannon Murray Bemidji, Minnesota

Shannon Murray is a folk/punk singer-songwriter. Tackling guitar playing, and songcraft like it’s a contact sport, their music is intensely political, and deeply personal. Shocking and delighting audiences everywhere with their quirky stories, passionate songs, quick wit, and contagious energy, Shannon has been making folk a threat again since 2001, and is proud to call Bemidji, MN home. ... more

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