Ewan MacColl
The Big Hewer
1967 - Argo RG 538 LP
UK Release — w/Charles Parker & Peggy Seeger
Track List:
When you hew a lump of coal
Out of dirt and darkness I was born
Schoolday's over, come on then, John
Now don't be late
You're at the pit bank
Oh dear, the experience to go down the pit
When I am down in the pit
So now you know the coal how it is got
Jimmy, come back, come back
Yes … he was working next to me
And yet it's good to come from the pit
Three hundred years I hewed at the coal by hand
Down in the dark
In Durham and Northumberland, I'm sorry for to say
A miner has to possess that sense of humour
Coal is a thing that's cost life to get
Today, safety is the prime factor
Deep down in a man's heart
Credits
A Radio Ballad by Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger & Charles Parker
Singers: Isla Cameron, Ian Campbell, Joe Higgins, Louis Killen, A.L. Lloyd, Ewan MacColl
Instrumentalists:
Jim Bray: Double Bass
Brian Daly: Guitar
Alf Edwards: Concertina, Ocarina & Trombone
Alfie Kahn: Tin Whistle, Harmonica, Clarinet
Peggy Seeger: Guitar & 5-string Banjo
Named Speakers: Ben Davies, Evan Williams, Dick Beamish, Ernest Black, Jack Elliott, Rees Elliott, Johnny (Handle) Pandrich, Mr. Earl, Mr. P Weekes, Mr. J Williams, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Crowther, Dr. D. (Doc) Thomas & Mr. Baker
Recorded in association with BBC Enterprises
First Broadcast: August 18, 1961, repeated January 24, 1962
Script, song lyrics and music: Ewan MacColl
Orchestration and music direction: Peggy Seeger
Production: Charles Parker
Actuality recording: Ewan MacColl, Charles Parker and Peggy Seeger
Technical direction: John Clarke
Alternate releases
The Big Hewer: 1971 - Argo DA 140 LP
The Big Hewer: A radio ballad about Britain's coal miners …
1999 - Topic TSCD804 CD
Notes
Sources: Mainly Norfolk & Set Into Song …