Farewell Johnny Miner Lyrics And Chords

​Song Meaning: "Farewell Johnny Miner""Farewell Johnny Miner" is a traditional folk song that reflects the hardships and struggles faced by coal miners, particularly during the decline of the mining industry in the United Kingdom. The song is often associated with the North East of England or Wales, regions known for their coal mining heritage. It is a poignant farewell to the mining life and the tough realities that many miners faced when their livelihoods were taken away.

Themes and Meaning:

1. Economic Hardship and Unemployment:
   The central theme of the song is the decline of the coal mining industry, which left many miners unemployed and struggling to support their families. The song reflects the sorrow and frustration of those who were forced to leave their work and homes due to mine closures.
   
   • "Farewell Johnny Miner, the pits are closing down."
     This line highlights the devastating reality of mine closures and the end of a way of life for many mining families.
2. Identity and Pride:
   Mining was not just a job—it was a way of life and an identity for many. The song captures the deep connection that miners had to their work, even though it was dangerous and grueling. Despite the hardships, there is a sense of pride in being a miner.
   
3. Social Injustice:
   The song subtly criticizes the social and political forces behind the decline of the coal industry. It reflects the anger and sense of betrayal felt by many mining communities, who believed they were abandoned by those in power.
   
   • The song can be seen as a protest against policies that led to widespread unemployment and the collapse of entire communities.
4. Farewell and Resignation:
   There is also a sense of resignation in the song. The miners are saying goodbye to a way of life they knew, even if it was harsh. The farewell is bittersweet—tinged with sadness for the past but also with a hint of resilience for whatever lies ahead.
   

Musical Style:The song is often performed in a simple, heartfelt folk style, emphasizing the lyrics and emotion behind the story. Acoustic guitars, fiddles, or other traditional folk instruments are commonly used, creating a somber but reflective atmosphere.

4/4 (Ed Pickford)  Lyrics and chords in ChordPro fit the Battlefield Band (use a capo on the 1st fret) Guitar work by Marc. In case these chords don't suit I have also given the song in the key of G. The sheet music notes and ukulele chords are included. A Rovin' Dies Hard Song is also here which was recorded by The Battlefield Band .

Instrumental Intro
(D)Johnny Miner, (F#m)you were born
(G)Ne’er to see the (F#m)rising dawn,     
(G)Now it's time that (D)you were (Bm)gone,     
So (D)farewell, Johnny (A)Miner. 
Chorus
(D)Farewell Durham, (F#m)Yorkshire, too,
(G)Nottingham, the (F#m)same to you
(G)Scotland, South Wales, (D)bid a(Bm)dieu,
(D)Farewell, Johnny (A)Miner.
You (D)battled with the (F#m)sliding scale,
(G)Lungs turned black and (F#m)faces pale,
But (G)now your body's (D)up for (Bm)sale,
(D)Farewell, Johnny (A)Miner.
Chorus
They (D)promised you the (F#m)earth sometimes
To (G)work down in their (F#m)stinkin' mines,
(G)Now the justice (D)for their (Bm)crime
Is (D)farewell, Johnny (A)Miner.
Chorus
Instrumental Bridge
(D)Cheer up John, don’t (F#m)take it hard
(G)Unemployment’s (F#m)not so bad – 
They'll (G)treat you well in the (D)knacker's (Bm)yard,     
(G!!!)Farewell, farewell Johnny (A)Miner.
Chorus
Instrumental Outro.
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Farewell Johnny Miner Sheet Music