Concrete and Steel

Justin Wood, Michael DiRoberts

Justin Wood (right) & Michael DiRoberts (left)

(Song by: Justin Wood and Michael DiRoberts  –  Performance Notes below)

LYRICS

I hope and I pray for the money to come, Chittenden asks at the seat
If our leaders approve our plans to build, then we’ll get what we need
So get her done and pioneer, let the Northwest spirit shine
She’ll still be standing here a century down the line.

For the sons of my sons and generations to come, we’re building this cut to the Sound
So hit that shovel, bend your back, our hopes are here in this ground
Concrete and steel boys they last near forever, and we’ll go to sea and always return
The rich keep on fighting, our dreams set aside, the present’s our only concern.

This trial would challenge the strongest of men, Murray and Semple resigned
Keep out the schemers and the railroad men, they do not want us to try
Break your backs and crack your hands, stand this endless rain
We can show these men that our resolve will never wane.

For the sons of my sons and generations to come, we’re building this cut to the Sound
So hit that shovel, bend your back, our hopes are here in this ground
Concrete and steel boys they last near forever, we’ll dig to the sea and always return
The rich keep on fighting, while men keep on dying, and digging’s our only concern.

The barons are dreaming of timber and steel, and always they’re dreaming of coal
They sell their own dreams to the newspaper men, but we want a dream of our own
Some folks say the common man never wins
But let me tell you now, this is where futures begin.

For the sons of my sons and generations to come, we’re building this cut to the Sound
So hit that shovel, bend your back, our hopes are here in this ground
Concrete and steel boys they last near forever our sons will go to sea and always return
The rich keep on fighting to get more from this life, the future’s our only concern
Concrete and steel boys they last near forever, and we’ll go to sea and always return
The rich keep on fighting, our dreams set aside, for concrete and steel last forever… you’ll learn.


PERFORMANCE NOTES

  • Words and music by Michael DiRoberts and Justin Wood
  • Performed by:
    • Michael Diroberts (lead vocals, concertina)
    • Justin Wood (guitar, bouzouki)
    • Doug Bright (bass, fiddle)
  • Recorded at Jack Straw Cultural Center

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