Boss man, boss man what do ya say
i gotta get you alone in the mine some day
boss man, boss man turn it around
if you don't look away how can i sit down
Look at this load upon my back
gotta get this wheel back on the track
i can't hold on but i can't let go
and i can't say yes i can't say 'no'
Holes in my pockets and holes in my shoes
if you're ready for me i'm ready for you
the company plan takes all my pay
got a child in july and another last may
Boss man, boss man what do ya say
gonna get you alone in the mine some day
push your face down in the coal
'cause you got no heart you got no soul
Country life's the life for me
in ten more years i'll a pensioner be
the younger lad knows when the girls are out
but you might say he's a rural sprout
Boss man, boss man what do ya say
gonna get you alone in the mine some day
boss man, boss man clear the track
you're gonna tear the skin right offa my back
Boss man, boss man what do ya say
if you can't lend a hand then get outta my way
it'll be murder in the first degree
if you ever lay your hands on me
Boss man, boss man pay my rent
a dollar i've earned is a dollar i've spent
the company plan takes all my check
for breakin' my back and riskin' my neck
Boss man, boss man what do ya say
i gotta get you alone in the mine some day
i can't hold on but i can't let go
and i can't say yes i can't say 'no