On the wrong side of the world
I saw such sights as I'd not seen before
On the wrong side of the world
As we sailed up the river my thoughts and my fears
Stirred to the thoughts of the seven long years
Toiling like dogs amid suffering and tears
On the wrong side of the world
On September the 12th to the barracks we went
On the wrong side of the world
And the magistrate said that I ought to repent
On the wrong side of the world
By breaking my oath and betraying my friends
They said if I did I'd be making amends
I told them in preference my whole life I'd spend
On the wrong side of the world.
So I worked on the road with the chain gang by day
On the wrong side of the world
And at night on the earth without covering I'd lay
On the wrong side of the world
I'd look through the roof at the rain and the stars
The irons on my legs brought rheumatics and scars
And those were the least of our sufferings by far
On the wrong side of the world
Then from government labor they made me exempt
On the wrong side of the world
And in seeking employment were many weeks spend
On the wrong side of the world
I walked fifty long miles without breaking my fast
Without friends without hope through that country I passed
Until I found work with a master at last
On the wrong side of the world
So I worked as a slave just for shelter and board
On the wrong side of the world
Just staying alive was my only reward
On the wrong side of the world
Til one day in a journal I found out that we
The Tolpuddle men were all pardoned and free
Though no one had troubled to tell this to me
On the wrong side of the world
So my freedom was found and my passage was paid
On the wrong side of the world
And long preparations for leaving were made
On the wrong side of the world
I boarded my ship and I sailed with the tide
Then long weary months til old England I spied
I thought of all those who still suffered and died
On the wrong side of the world
Where punishment's brutal and mercy is rare
On the wrong side of the world
Where a man dies alone and there's no one to care
On the wrong side of the world
Where the lashes are many and kindnesses few
They work you like dogs and then drive you anew
And those who go home bid a joyful adieu
To the wrong side of the world
To the wrong side of the world
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-88582150.html
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival is on 16-18 July. Click here for details
