The Song Of The FU

The Song Of The F.U.

At the start of the 20th Century there was much agitation in agriculture, as farmers tried to force down what were already meagre wages. This song clearly has its origin in that struggle.

The Song of the FU appears on Sid's album Like A Rhinestone Ploughboy.

"My family weren't on either side, but we sypathised with USBAT (the Union of Sweedbashers and Allied Trades). Mind you, I sympathise with anyone who has to do a proper job."

Sid Kipper

Come all you bold young farmers, this message ne'er forget;

Though you are strong, united we will be stronger yet.

If we stand firm together we soon will have our way;

Longer hours for lower wages, with shorter holidays.

Join the Farmers Union, join the favoured few;

Let our cry go yonder - 'We are the great F.U.'

The workers are ungrateful for all that we provide -

If we give them bread they ask for jam on it besides;

If we give them water, why then they call for ale,

And if we give them four good walls they want a roof as well.

God made us low and highly, God made us poor and rich;

The farmer in his farmhouse, the poor man in his ditch.

For we are all his children, the greatest and the least;

The working man is equal to any other beast.

The labourer need labour, for idle hands will stray.

The master needs his mistresses, lest he be all work, no play.

The peasants are revolting, but this word to them we send:

Drop your combinations and reveal your wicked ends!