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Blackleg Miner

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Dminor

90BPM

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Traditional, from Northumberland (north-eastern England). 
There have been many miners' strikes over the years,
and it's unclear which one this dates from - perhaps from the strikes of 1844,
which collapsed after 20 weeks thanks to strike-breaking (blackleg) miners. 
It enjoyed a revival thanks to the miners' strikes of the 1980s 
under Margaret Thatcher's government.
Various artists have recorded this; this version is from the oral tradition 
of Forest School Camps.
It's Dmin the evening, Cafter dark
The Dmblackleg miner gAmans ta wark
In his Dmmoleskin pants and Cdirty shirt
There Dmgoes the Cblackleg Dmminer
He Dmtakes his pick and Cdown he goes
To Dmhew the coal that Amlies below
There's Dmnot a woman in Cthis town row
Would Dmlook at a Cblackleg Dmminer
For DmDeleval is a Cterrible place
They Dmrub wet clay in a Amblackleg's face
ADmround the pits they Crun a foot race
To Dmcatch the Cblackleg Dmminer
And Dmdon't go near the CSeghill mine
ADmcross the top they've Amstretched a line
To Dmcatch the throat and Cbreak the spine
Of the Dmdirty Cblackleg Dmminer
Well, they Dmtake his pick and Cduds as well
And they Dmhurl them down the Ampit of Hell
So Dmoff you go and Cfare thee well
You Dmdirty Cblackleg Dmminer
So Dmjoin the union Cwhile you may
Don't Dmwait till your Amdying day
For Dmthat may not be Cfar away
You Dmdirty Cblackleg Dmminer

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"Blackleg Miner" is a traditional folk song that captures the tension and conflict within a mining community during a strike. The lyrics paint a picture of miners going out "after dark" to confront those who continue to work, known as "blacklegs," breaking the strike. It's a raw portrayal of solidarity and the fierce determination to protect their livelihoods, even if it means taking action against those who don't join their cause. The song embodies the spirit of working-class struggle and the deep bonds formed in the face of hardship.

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Blackleg Miner

Blackleg Miner

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Blackleg Miner

by Misc Traditional

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Traditional, from Northumberland (north-eastern England).

There have been many miners' strikes over the years,

and it's unclear which one this dates from - perhaps from the strikes of 1844,

which collapsed after 20 weeks thanks to strike-breaking (blackleg) miners.

It enjoyed a revival thanks to the miners' strikes of the 1980s

under Margaret Thatcher's government.

Various artists have recorded this; this version is from the oral tradition

of Forest School Camps.

Dm C

It's in the evening, after dark

Dm Am

The blackleg miner gans ta wark

Dm C

In his moleskin pants and dirty shirt

Dm C Dm

There goes the blackleg miner

Dm C

He takes his pick and down he goes

Dm Am

To hew the coal that lies below

Dm C

There's not a woman in this town row

Dm C Dm

Would look at a blackleg miner

Dm C

For Deleval is a terrible place

Dm Am

They rub wet clay in a blackleg's face

Dm C

Around the pits they run a foot race

Dm C Dm

To catch the blackleg miner

Dm C

And don't go near the Seghill mine

Dm Am

Across the top they've stretched a line

Dm C

To catch the throat and break the spine

Dm C Dm

Of the dirty blackleg miner

Dm C

Well, they take his pick and duds as well

Dm Am

And they hurl them down the pit of Hell

Dm C

So off you go and fare thee well

Dm C Dm

You dirty blackleg miner

Dm C

So join the union while you may

Dm Am

Don't wait till your dying day

Dm C

For that may not be far away

Dm C Dm

You dirty blackleg miner

About Blackleg Miner Chords by Misc Traditional

Learn how to play Blackleg Miner by Misc Traditional with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Blackleg Miner chords”, “Blackleg Miner guitar chords”, or “Misc Traditional Blackleg Miner chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Blackleg Miner chords and for experienced players who want accurate Blackleg Miner lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Dm, C, Am.

FAQ — Blackleg Miner by Misc Traditional

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What key is "Blackleg Miner" in?

The chords for "Blackleg Miner" show the original chord names (including Dm, C, Am). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.