Folk & Traditional Song Lyrics www.traditionalmusic.co.uk Homestead Strike 
Homestead Strike 
We are asking one another as we pass the time of day Why working men resort to arms to get their proper pay, And why our labor unions they must not be recognized, While the actions of a syndicate must not be criticized. 
Now the troubles down at Homestead were brought about this way When a grasping corporation had the audacity to say: "You must all renounce your union and forswear your liberty, And we'll give you a chance to live and die in slavery." 
Cho. Now the man that fights for honor,
 none can blame him. May luck attend wherever he may roam. And no son of his will ever live
 to shame him. Whilst Liberty and Honor rule our Home. 
Now this sturdy band of working men started out at the break of day Determination in their faces which plainly meant to say: "No one can come and take our homes for which we have toiled so long No one can come and take our places --no, here's where we belong!" 
A woman with a rifle saw her husband in the crowd, She handed him the weapon and they cheered her long and loud. He kissed her and said, "Mary, you go home till we're through." She answered,"No. If you must die, 
 my place is here with you." 
Cho. 
When a lot of tramp detectives came without authority Like thieves at night when decent men were sleeping peacefully---Can you wonder why all honest hearts with indignation burn, And why the slimy worm that treads the earth when trod upon will turn? 
When they locked out men at Homestead so they were face to face With a lot of bum detectives and they knew it was their place To protect their homes and families, and this was neatly done And the public will reward them for the victories they won. 
Homestead Strike (1892), Carnegie Steel locked out 3800 Amalgamated Assn Iron & Steel workers; workers barricaded plant and shut it down for 5 days. July 6 Carnegie hired 300 armed Pinkertons with guns, dynamite, cannon. Battle lasted all day, Pinkerton's surrendered. total 10 dead, over 60 wounded. 
Recorded by Stekert- Songs of a New York Lumberjack RG