Rod Clements was a member of the U.K. band Lindisfarne. This is a solo song from decades
later about the building of the Hoover (Boulder) Dam in the 1930s. Odd Man Out Album/CD 2006.
References to his work:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Clements
http://www.rodclements.com/lf.html
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rod-clements-mn0000291833/biography
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQM5XLYGHMQ
A D
Well I'm working in the canyon, I've got a shovel in my hand
A E
To put a dam across the river, bring power to the land
A D
The sun's beating like a hammer, everyday it's the same
A E A
Then I lay me down in Ragtown, beneath a blanket on a frame
A D
Well I was tunneling the bedrock, I thought I had it made
A E
But the heat got to me, they sent the ice brigade
A D
They brought water and a stretcher, layed me up all day
A E A
Then they sent me back to Ragtown, I got no pay
F#m
Well there's a jumbo drilling, and a spoil leak filling
A F#m
It's 97 in the shade, there's a great day coming
D E
When the turbines are humming, if we only get the damn thing made
A D
Sometimes I get to wonder, if I can make it through
A E
I hear the dynamite thunder, I see the wrecking crew
A D
St. Peter don't you worry, send me anywhere
A E A
Long as it ain't Ragtown, then I don't care
F#m
There's a scaleman swinging, and a pickhead ringing
A F#m
Don't it look a long way down, keep your hat on tight
D E
You're gonna be all right, if you only keep your feet on the ground
A D
Come on little honey, come on and say you will
A E
I got enough to get a house built, up in Boulderville
A D
I'll pay a quarter on the dollar, to the company man
A E A
And if it gets us out of Ragtown, I'll do it if I can
A E A
And if it gets us out of Ragtown, I'll do it if I can
A E F#m
D A E A
And if it gets us out of Ragtown, I'll do it if I can