Iron Road

 

THE PER. WAY MAN AND THE PUP

In regard to this song Brian Dunnett, a retired rail worker, comments:
There is a long history of this indicating the custom to raise money for the wife who didn't need the tools but some money to keep going entitlements like super died with the bloke. This happened to my grandfather my grandmother got nothing the day after he died. It still happening to some degree my father who died at Xmas he was on an old pension system mum's entitlements were not just halved but she will be lucky to end up with a third that they both struggled to pay off. Also indicates connections with Workshops


Per way: Short for the permanent way. Railway Tracks were seen as on going permanent structure.

THE PER. WAY MAN AND THE PUP
(By 'exchange')

Often as I slave and stew,
Digging in these dirty ditches,
I have dared to think of you –
You and all your riches.
Lackeys help you on and off,
And the bed is silk you lie in;
You have doctors when you cough,
Priests when you are dying.

Wrapt in soft and costly furs,
All sewed up with careful stitches,
You consort with proper curs
And with perfumed bitches.
You don't sweat to struggle free,
Work in rags and rotten breeches –
Puppy, have a laugh at me
Digging in the ditches.

The Railroad Issue 1928/29

 

 


 
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