In good old Queen Victoria's day
Industrial revolution
Meant bosses said 'Please, wee need more employees'
We needed a solution
Who will climb our chimneys?
Who will power our grids?
Victorian families too desperately poor
They'll let us employ their kids for
Work, terrible work
(From very young ages)
Up chimneys to clean
(Paid pitiful wages)
Work, terrible work
(Pins make you work faster)
If we grow too big
(Get sacked by the master)
Now you're all in my employ
Cleaning in the factory
We're not very strong
And the hours are long
This work is unsatisfactory
Learn not to get caught in spokes
Or trap our hands in gages
To stop machines and get you out
Will cost you a week's wages!
Work, terrible work
(There's no health or safety)
So if we get hurt
(They will just replace me)
Work, terrible work
Now that I am short of cash
I have to pick pockets
Wallets from gentlemen
And lady's lockets
Small enough to get away
Hardly ever caught
And if we are, we're kids you see
To cry what we're taught
Boo Hoo!
Work, terrible work
(Dangerous and demeaning)
No time to complain
(Get back to your cleaning)
Work, terrible work
Guess what we are dreaming
School, glorious school!
Wonderful school!
Marvelous school!
Wish we went to school

SUBMIT CORRECTIONS