Mechanics' Song

Ye merry mechanics come join in my song, And let the brisk chorus come bounding along Tho' some may be poor, and some rich there may be, Yet all are contended and happy and free. Happy and free, happy and free, Yet all are contented and happy and free.

Ye TAYLORS! of ancient and noble renown, Who clothe all the people in country and town; Remember that Adam your father and head, Tho' the lord of the world, was a Taylor by trade.

Ye MASONS! who work in stone, mortar and brick, And lay the foundations, deep, solid and thick; Tho' hard be your labor, yet lasting your fame, Both Egypt and China your wonders proclaim.

Ye SMITHS! who forge tools for all trades here below, You have nothing to fear, while you smite and you blow; All things you may conquer, so happy your lot; If you're careful to strike while the iron is hot.

Ye SHOE-MAKERS! nobly from ages long past, Have defended your rights with your awl to the last; And COBLERS all merry, not only stop holes, But work night and day for the good of our soals.

Ye CABINET-MAKERS! brave workers in wood, As you work for the ladies, your work must be good; And JOINERS and CARPENTERS far off and near, Stick close to your trades and you've nothing to fear.

Ye HATTERS! who ost with hands not very fair, Fix bats on a block, for a blackhead to wear; Tho' charity cover a sin now and then, You cover the heads and the sins of all men,

Ye COACH-MAKERS! must not by tax be controul'd, But ship off your coaches and fetch us home gold;— The roll of your coach made Copernicus reel, And fancy the world to turn round like a wheel.

Ye CARDERS and SPINNERS and WEAVERS attend, And take the advice of poor Richard your friend; Stick close to your looms and your wheels and your cards, And you never need fear of the times being hard.

Ye PRINTERS! who give us our learning and news, And impartially print for Turks, Christians and Jews; Let your favorite toast ever found thro' the streets, The freedom of press, and a volume in sheets.

Ye COOPERS! who rattle with driver and adz, And lecture each day upon hoops and on heads; The famous old ballad of Love in a Tub, You may sing to the tune of your rub a dub dub.

Ye SHIP-BUILDERS! RIGGERS and MAKERS of SAILS! Already the new constitution prevails; And soon you shall sec o'er the proud swelling tide, The ships of Columbia triumphantly ride.

Each TRADESMAN turn out with his tool in his hand, To cherish the ARTS and keep PEACE through the land; Each 'PRENTICE and JOURNEYMAN join in my song, And let the brisk CHORUS come bounding along. Come bounding along, come bounding along. And let the brisk CHORUS come bounding along.