This song instantly makes me think of the building of the Hoover Dam. During its construction, many men ended up dying, thus the:
"This bulkhead's built of fallen brethren's bones"
It was dangerous work, but it was during the Great Depression so there were plenty of men lining up to do the work, so if you ever couldn't perform the work, you could be replaced quickly:
"So while we're living here
Let's get this little one thing clear
There's plenty of men to die, don't jump your turn"
You couldn't even rest for too long, or someone else would take your place:
"You get your shovel back in line
And if you ever make it to ten
You won't make it again"
This specific song is obviously dealing more with mining and not the Hoover Dam, but it is based on a very similar principle. The demand for work far outstripped the supply and thus the workers could be easily replaced and worked to death. Awesome song!
This song instantly makes me think of the building of the Hoover Dam. During its construction, many men ended up dying, thus the: "This bulkhead's built of fallen brethren's bones"
It was dangerous work, but it was during the Great Depression so there were plenty of men lining up to do the work, so if you ever couldn't perform the work, you could be replaced quickly: "So while we're living here Let's get this little one thing clear There's plenty of men to die, don't jump your turn"
You couldn't even rest for too long, or someone else would take your place: "You get your shovel back in line And if you ever make it to ten You won't make it again"
This specific song is obviously dealing more with mining and not the Hoover Dam, but it is based on a very similar principle. The demand for work far outstripped the supply and thus the workers could be easily replaced and worked to death. Awesome song!