This folk song by Durham miner Ed Pickford voices the concerns of coal miners in the United Kingdom during the nineteen sixties. During this period competition from oil reduced coal’s share of global energy markets. Lord Robens, the head of the National Coal Board from 1961 to 1971, made several controversial decisions that resulted in a steady loss of coal jobs. Miner Ed Pickford shared his memories of those difficult times in this song.
This video features a new arrangement by the accapella group Wee Heavies.
Wee Heavies, Pound A Week Rise: