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The I.C.I. Song (the Chemical Worker's Song)

Ron Angel
Language: English


Ron Angel

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The poor safety and health conditions workers endured in the chemical industry are the theme of "The ICI Song", also known as 
"The Chemical Worker's Song" and "Process Man".  The song was written and recorded in 1964 by Ron Angel in Cleveland, UK, an 
area known for its chemical industry.
Recorded a few years ago by the Canadian group, Great Big Sea on their album "Up". Lorre Wyatt recorded it on his Roots and Branches for Folk-Legacy. Recorded also by The Young'uns
A process man am I and I'm telling you no lie.
I've worked and breathed among the fumes.
That trail across the sky.
There's thunder all around me and poison in the air.
There's a lousy smell that smacks of hell. And dust all in my hair.

But you go boys go.
They time your every breath.
And every day you're in this place .
you're two days nearer death, but you go.

I've worked among the spinners I've breathed in the oil and smoke.
I've shovelled up the gypsum till it nigh on makes you choke.
I've stood knee deep in cyanide gone sick with a caustic burn.
I've been working rough I've seen enough to make your stomach turn.

But you go boys go.
They time your every breath.
And every day you're in this place .
you're two days nearer death, but you go.

There's overtime there's bonus opportunities galore.
The young men like the money. Aye they all come back for mare.
Ah but soon you're knocking on. You look older than you should.
For every bob made on this job you pay with flesh and blood.

Contributed by Dq82 - 2019/1/8 - 09:42




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