29 MORE MINERS GONE
Twenty-nine more miners buried and gone;
Twenty-nine more miners never going back home.
Everyday workers, just like you and me,
Tryin’ to bring home a paycheck to their family.
The coal dust and methane at too high a level,
At the Upper Branch Creek mine explodes in the well.
Sucks out the life from their lungs and their souls;
Twenty-nine more miners for a bucket of coal.
For two or three weeks, they’re all over the news;
Call ‘em heroes and martyrs, and victims too.
But when the media frenzy and circus subsides,
Who’s gonna remember these guys?
Who’ gonna remember these miners who died?
Mr. Blankenship and Massey at a press conference declares,
With crocodile tears he acts like he cares.
Said he’ll pay for the funerals and with the families he’ll mourn;
Then it’s business as usual, there’s profits to earn.
They’ll pay off the judges and politicians they own;
The greed and corruption is very well known.
On a consumer code of silence is what they depend;
We know it, so let’s don’t pretend.
You and me know it so let’s don’t pretend.
They got the science, the knowledge, technology today,
To make every coal mine productive and safe.
But when there’s no regulation or enforcement in place,
The miners’ health and safety get’s buried away.
Words will be written, songs will be sung;
Promises made, threats will be flung.
But when the dust settles, and all’s said and done,
Where’s the justice for the miners who are gone?
Who’s gonna get justice for these miners who’re gone?
Twenty-nine miners buried and gone;
Twenty-nine more miners never coming back home.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, April 2010
The TALE OF MARCELLUS SHALE
At the bottom of the wells,
Where the carbon kings dwell,
Madmen drill for their holy grail.
Between heaven and hell,
Under the fossil fuel spell –
This is the tale of Marcellus Shale.
Took a million years to form,
In a decade or two it’s gone;
Poison streams, broken dreams will prevail.
Public lands and precious forests,
Stole and sold right before us -
This is the tale of Marcellus Shale. (2X)
The politicians promise jobs and prosperity;
A growing economy, that’s good for you and me.
But if our children only see a poison legacy,
Why take a chance, why even dance with the slightest possibility?
They call it slick water fracking;
To get the shale rock cracking,
Our drinking water mixed with toxic cocktails.
Diesel trucks, highways to hell,
Dead wildlife, sickening smells -
This is the tale of Marcellus Shale. (2X)
They scrapped the ‘Clean Water Act,’
Cut every regulation back;
Set up a system that’s bound to fail.
Weep and freak as they blow it,
Destroying life as we know it –
This is the tale of Marcellus Shale (2X)
It’s trade-offs and payoffs, kickbacks and compromise;
The cost of doing business in this laissez-faire enterprise.
But in the end if all we gain’s our environment’s demise,
What’s the point, let’s blow this joint, stop this stupid exercise!
A handful will get rich,
But when this cash cow quits,
The rest of us will be left with the bill.
In our streams, lakes and hills,
We’ll have our own Gulf Oil spill;
This is the scale of Marcellus Shale. (You better pay attention.)
This is the hell of Marcellus Shale. (Time for some dissension.)
This is the tale of Marcellus Shale. (We’re the only prevention.)
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, June, 2010
Maida Springer Kemp and Annie McLemore
Maida Springer Kemp was a force of life,
In the movements of labor and civil rights -
Maida, Maida Springer-Kemp.
Makin’ dresses in the sweatshops on the West Side;
Her desires were the fires of the union drives.
Maida, Maida Springer-Kemp.
Organized women all over the world,
Still had time for her little grand-girls.
Her family was her kin and working people all over the globe.
Elevating, educating everywhere she’d go,
Never satisfied with the status quo –
Maida, Maida Springer Kemp.
Annie, Annie McLemore.
Annie McLemore was a union maid;
Fightin’ for the underdog her stock and trade –
Annie, Annie McLemore.
A leader you could hear her on the front lines;
A rainbow spirit way ahead of the times –
Annie, Annie McLemore.
Taking her family to the Labor Day Parade;
Riding through town on the float CLUW made.
Telling her nieces what the struggle was all about.
Giving a voice to the ones left out;
Who’s side she was on, there was little doubt –
Annie, Annie McLemore,
Maida, Maida Springer Kemp.
Women of color never get their due;
Maida and Annie are living proof.
It’s never too late to state and tell the truth.
Breakin’ new ground everywhere they went;
Many will swear they were heaven sent –
Annie, Annie McLemore,
Maida, Maida Springer Kemp,
Two sisters we should never forget.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, March, 2010
The MST
There’s a movement in the south of Brazil called the MST; D-Em-G-A
Landless rural workers with the steam and the dream to be free;
A horizontal force on a course for a destiny.
Thinkin’ out of the box, building blocks for a new society.
Born in the gorges, dead seas of poverty;
Steeled in the forges, heats of adversity,
A new way to see reality – they’re the MST.
Out in the fields, southern hills of the global food chain,
Tested and steeled, doing battle with Goliath again.
Up against the guns and mega-funds of the soy profiteers,
Political whores, evil warlords of violence and fear;
A new kind of woman, a new kind of man,
New ways to relate, irrigate and work the land;
Teachin’ common people how to think for themselves,
How to share the wealth and be a family called the MST.
[Bridge] Some of the best things happening these years, D-A
Come from the southern hemisphere. Em-Bm
Maybe we got something to learn, D-A
As far as I’m concerned, freedom burns with the MST. Em-G-A-D-Em-G-A
Creative, innovative, democratic to the core;
Goin’ places, doing things they’ve never done before.
Standin’ strong and tall against the whirlwinds of greed
Knockin’ down the walls of poverty - they’re the MST.
Some of the best things happening these years,
Come from the southern hemisphere.
Maybe you and me got something to learn;
As far as I’m concerned, the tide has turned with the MST.
HERE’S THE STORY OF PITTSBURGH
F G C – Em7 - Am
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
G – G7 C – F - G
The gateway to the heartland, where the three rivers flow.
F G C – Em7 - Am
To the north hills and the south hills, to the east and west end.
G C –F- G- C
Here’s the Story of Pittsburgh, from your family and friends.
G F C
To Guyusuta,, Shingas, the Shawnee, Lenape,
G F C
The prophet, Neolin, Tecumsah and Pontiac;
G Em
To Queen Aliquippa, Red Pole on down,
D G – G7
All the spirits of your sacred burial ground!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
To the natives and warriors, land keepers long ago.
To the people of the hillltops, ridges, valleys, ravines.
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, from your family and friends..
To the vanguard of the first State to abolish slavery;
To Vashon, Delaney, the souls of black bravery.
To the thousands who blocked the cannons from moving down south -
When the flames of succession broke out!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
To the civil rights heroes, so courageous and bold.
To the North Side and South side, the to the east and west ends;
It’s the story of Pittsburgh, from your family and friends
To the thinkers, Tom the Tinkers, all the young pioneers;
The whiskey rebel farmers, the anti-tax mutineers;
To the shakers, path breakers, food banks of history,
All the givers like Johnny Appleseed!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
To the mentors and inventors, whose glory you hold;
To the north hills and the south hills, to the east and west end.
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, from your family and friends.
To the hardworking mothers, the famous women you’ve known;
The cotton mill rebels, Fannie, Crystal, Mother Jones.
To Jane Grey Swisshelm, Lizzie Butler, Nellie Bly,
The countless women who held up half your sky!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
To all the beautiful sisters, whose stories needs told.
To the North Side and South side, the to the east and west ends;
It’s the story of Pittsburgh, from your family and friends
To the millions who worked in your factories and mills,
The ghosts of their labor are living there still.
To the steel, glass and trades who built all you can see,
The caretakers of the Burgh’s history!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
To the hard working Immigrants who gave their blood, sweat and soul.
To the people on the hilltops, ridges, valleys and runs,
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, your story’s not done.
To the dislocated workers, black and gold refugees,
Far and near frontier clubs of the Steeler family;
To the ones who will tell you when all’s said and heard,
There’s no place like the ‘Burgh!
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, 250 years old,
From the throngs of ‘Steeler Nation’ spread all over the globe;
To all the hard working people, and their families too,
Here’s the story of Pittsburgh, your story’s not through..
Words & Music by: C. Michael Stout, March, 2008
WE ARE THE COPS OF THE WORLD
Seven-hundred some bases all over the globe,
In places we don’t even know.
Troops, ships and drones all over they roam,
There’s no where our armies don’t go.
We garrison the planet, north, south, east and west,
Occupy all seven seas.
On this modern day empire the sun never sets,
A bully will do what he please.
But empires cost money, and guess who will pay
Four-hundred million dollars a day.
You can’t hear the music, but the fiddle still plays.
When they say there’s nothing left to help you and me
The reason ain’t too hard to see - WE ARE THE COPS OF THE WORLD!
In the sands of Iraq, and Afghanistan,
The pains of occupation resound;
Innocent blood spilled, civilians get killed;
As the bombs and the missiles come down.
It‘s circle the wagons, and unleash the dragons
Get in position for the bigger war game.
When there’s gas or oil on some foreign soil,
The Blackwaters and the choppers will reign.
But empires cost money, someone must pay;
The machine has a mind of its own,
When big money talks, everything else walks.
When there’s nothing left for us back at home,
The reason is easily known - WE ARE THE COPS OF THE WORLD!
No money for roads, bridges or trains,
No jobs that pay a decent living wage;
No healthcare, no welfare no future remains
On the Main streets of the USA.
Keep on pretending, but the bender is ending;
Our dreams have been put on hold.
In order to maintain the empire’s reign;
Our children’s future has been sold;
The truth must be spoken and told - WE ARE THE COPS OF THE WORLD!
Words & music by: Mike Stout, May, 2009
YOU ARE MY BROTHER
I don’t care how many roads have run between us;
How many folds and episodes have come between us.
You got your taste and pace, I got mine;
You’re in a different place, but love has no sense of space and time -
When we were young we hung in the same prisons.
We moved along, our eyes upon two different visions.
Your politics and mine are worlds apart, now.
But in the land of hearts the walls all start to crumble down.
[CHORUS]You are my brother and I love you still;
As much as any other, and I always will.
We’re from the same father and mother and family tree.
You are my brother and will always be – as long as I breathe.
{Bridge} We had our bouts, and falling outs as the years rolled by;
Had our doubts, took different routes as Father Time strolled by.
We don’t see things the same, but the simple truth remains
From where we came is more than just a name that we go by in this life.
You got your own scene and teams, and I got mine.
The older we grow the more it seems our ties don’t bind.
But though the winds of change blew us worlds apart,
Same blood’s in our veins that runs all through our separate hearts –
[CHORUS] You are my brother and I love you still;
As much as any other, and I always will.
We’re from the same father and mother and family tree.
You are my brother and will always be – as long as I breathe.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, November, 2009
WE NEED A NEW SYSTEM
Bm E Bm E
People losing homes, people going bankrupt, people slipping over the edge.
Bm E A F#
People all alone, people down on their luck, people stranded on a dangerous ledge.
Bm E Bm E
People going hungry, people out of work; people with no healthcare.
Bm E A F#
People getting angry, people going berserk; people getting’ crazy everywhere
G
Something’s gotta change, this can’t keep going on;
Bm
With so much pain, there’s something major wrong.
G
Better change our mode of thinking, the whole ship is sinking;
A E
Plant a new seed, I think we’re gonna need a new system.
Bm-G-A-D-A Bm-G-A-D-A Bm – A –D Bm –A -D
We need a new system. We need a new system; this old one’s gotta go.
Polar caps are melting from the greenhouse gas, millions of species disappear.
Hurricanes belting, deadly tornadoes blast; floods, drought, fires getting bigger every year.
Profit machines raging out of control, incinerate their poisons in the air.
Nuclear waste with nowhere to go, deadly cancers over hear and everywhere.
Mother Earth is screamin’, “cast out the demons;” it’s way too late for useless debate.
She’s tryin’ to warn us, a storm is comin’ toward us;
If our children gonna breathe, I think we’re gonna need a new system.
We need a new system (2X) This old one’s gotta go.
G
They want us brain dead, duped, in a bubble, unaware, unclear;
Bm
Oblivious, confused, disconnected, full of fear.
G
But I know there’s something better than this system here today;
A E
If we put our hearts together, we can find a better way…
People getting robbed, people getting ripped off; people going deeper in debt.
People getting clobbered, people getting pissed off; and the worst ain’t even here yet.
Recording setting gaps between rich and poor,
Working masses trapped in an economic war.
We better change some minds, we’re running out of time;
Plant a new seed, I think we’re gonna need a new system.
We need a new system (4X)
A whole nother vision; a fundamental transition,
We need a new system…this old one’s gotta go.
Words & Music by: Michael Stout, May, 2009
BACK HERE IN THE USofA
A D A
We got a lot of bars, movie stars in the USofA.
A A
Credit cards and gas-guzzling cars on the interstates.
E D A
Everybody’s got a mobile, you can go wild in the USofA.
We got hip-hop, rock and roll, jazz, blues and soul in the USofA.
Sports, courts and getaway resorts all over the place.
If you got some money, there’s milk and honey in the USofA.
D
{Bridge} Good, bad and mean, everything in between,
A
Quakers, givers, takers, right and left wing.
D
Every color and race, every language and taste,
B7 E
A giant melting pot all across the fifty states.
There’s boarder walls and miles of shopping malls in the USofA.
Slave-made apparel and barrels of nuclear waste.
It ain’t all pretty in the cities of the USofA.
We got poverty, neglect, consumer debt in the USofA.
A handful makin’ billions, and millions makin’ minimum wage.
In the land of plenty, hands are empty in the USofA.
{Bridge} People unemployed, livin’ on the street;
No healthcare or welfare, nothin’ to eat.
It all looks good and well on the TV screen.
There’s a lot of hell if you look behind the scene.
Broken bridges, city smog, sewers clogged in the USofA.
Smack, crack and right-wing attack dogs on the radio waves.
It ain’t all glory, hunky-dory in the USofA.
[Bridge] Fanatics, dogmatics, political whores,
We got our share of nut cases for sure.
But before you curse us, look beneath the surface;
Underneath the hood, you’ll find a lot of good -
People who care, everywhere in the USofA.
Give the shirt of their back, that’s a fact in the USofA.
Hard-workin’ women and blokes, decent folks in the USofA.
[Bridge] Fanatics, dogmatics, lunatic fringe,
A lot of senseless violence that don’t make no sense.
But before you judge us, write us off, begrudge us,
Look beneath the hood, you’ll find a lot of good -
People who care, give and share in the USA
Lend you a hand when you’re abandoned and you lost your way.
Hard working people in the shadows of the steeples of the USA.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, May, 2009
STEELER NATION
(Calling) Steeler, Steeler Nation! (Calling) Steeler, Steeler Nation !
We poured the steel for the Empire State.
Forged the steel that built the Golden Gate.
We got our clubs all over the place
No matter where we play, no matter who we face,
You’ll see thousands of them terrible towels wave -
(We’re the) Steeler, Steeler Nation! Steeler, Steeler Nation!
The ones you wanna be with, when the goin’ gets rough.
We got each others’ backs, that’s why our defense is tough.
We’re the ones that give, and always help the foodbanks;
That’s how we live, you don’t have to tell us thanks -
(We’re the) Steeler, Steeler Nation; Steeler, Steeler Nation!
Our family got dispersed all over the globe.
Our roots are still immersed where the three rivers flow.
Our spirit’s cast iron, our blood is burnin coal,
Our soul is made of steel, our heart is black and gold -
We’re the Steeler, Steeler Nation! (every age and every color)
We’re the Steeler, Steeler Nation (father, mother, sister, brother)
We’re the Steeler, Steeler Nation! (let me hear you holler)
We’re the Steeler, Steeler Nation! (Bet your bottom dollar)
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, December, 2008
THEY ARE THE FUTURE
[Chorus] They are the youth, they are the children. G-Am7-Em7-D-D7
They are the youth, they are the children.
They are the youth, they are the children.
They are the future of the whole human race; C-D-Am7-D
They are the ones who will inherit this place. C-D-Am7-D
They like to play and they like to sing, Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Hang out with their friends. Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Like to dance and do crazy things, Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Run free like the wind. C – D
They love their moms, and they love their dads; Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Want a family for sure. Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Don’t want to worry if the future is bad; Gmaj7 – Cmaj7
Just want to be safe and secure. C – D
Their minds are open, they want to learn, Bm - Am
To be good boys and girls. Bm - Am
Their hearts are hopin’ that when it’s their turn, Bm - Am
They’ll have some peace in this world. [CHORUS] C - D
They don’t care what country you’re from,
Or what color you are;
They know we share the same planet and sun,
Wish upon the same star.
They want a world with no hunger and hate,
One where grown-ups behave;
They don’t like violence or bein’ afraid,
Or children working as slaves.
They want a world that’s magic and cool; Bm7/9 – Am7
Where they can follow their dreams; Bm – Am7
A world where love and happiness rule – Bm7 – Am7
I think you know what I mean - [CHORUS ]C - D
They are stuck with whatever we leave,
With what gets left behind;
They got rights just like you and me,
We aren’t the end of the line – [CHORUS]
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, January 2010
MY BROTHER DID NOT DIE IN VAIN
C G Am Em C G Am - Em (Capo Guitar 2nd fret)
My brother, Gary, was killed on the job, at a plant called Meadville Redi-Mix.
C G Am Em C G Am - Em
His family, his friends, his future was robbed, when he fell twenty-five feet to is death.
C G Am Em C G Am Em
Sent to clean and shovel gravel in his final hour, all alone at the top of a concrete tower.
C G Am Em C G Am Em
On a dangerous loft, without being tied off; with no safety equipment or warning signs up.
Dm Am F C G
And when the OSHA man came, the Company claimed, they didn’t send him there; they weren’t to blame.
F G C Am F G C Am
(Chorus) Two 9-11’s, six-thousand a year, so much injustice, so many tears;
F G C Am F G C
Who will stand up and wipe away your fears, so my brother did not die in vain
A steelworker’s son, he knew right from wrong; he worked hard and lived in quiet dignity.
From the school of hard knocks at the Bottom of Mckees Rocks, he took good care of his family.
He got a job close to home to look after his son; he did it with love, whatever had to be done.
Though the job wasn’t much, the pay wasn’t good, he wanted to help them out all that he could.
To always be there for his family and wife; they were the light, the love of his life. (Chorus)
From the time I was born, he took me under his arms; made me feel like we were a team.
He protected and taught me; to school he brought me; he was the ultimate little sister’s dream.
He bore his burdens like a saint, without any complaint;
a finer husband, a finer father, a finer brother there ain’t.
My knight in shining armor, my hero, my friend; a giant among workers, a good union man.
What I am, I owe it all to him; I owe everything I am to him. (Chorus)
After OSHA inspected, they blindly accepted, he wandered up there all on his own.
The game was the same, the victim‘s to blame; the fix it was on once again.
And though this Company was fined past numerous times, for safety violations of all serious kinds,
It’s just a Class B misdemeanor, a travesty still, when a worker on the job gets injured or killed.
It’s negotiate with the devil to downgrade the level; the Company gets a voice, the victim’s family no choice.
And after the ‘Abatement,’ OSHA issued their statement; a six-thousand dollar fine for not posting a sign.
Another whitewash, another criminal gets off; another worker, another brother is lost.
F G C Am F G C
Two 9-11’s, six-thousand a year, so much injustice, so many tears.
F G C Am
Well dry your weary eyes, and wipe away your fears.
F G Em Am F G Em Am
His body’s in the grave, but his spirit’s still here; I found my salvation, my mission is clear.
F G Em Am
I’ll fight for the rights of those injured and maimed.
Dm Am F G C - Am
Their cause in my heart will remain; my brother, Gary, did not die in vain.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout, March 2008
THE PROMISE KEPT
You promised me, with all your heart,
My love to be, you’d never part.
To have and to hold through all of life’s stages
As we both grow old, down through the ages.
And after 40 years,
Through all the trials and tears we wept,
Your words I hear, so crystal clear -
Every promise you made was kept.
You promised me, to be my best friend;
We’d be a team, down to the end.
And when your job took you away,
You called and talked to me every day.
And I never had to doubt,
I can say without regrets;
After 40 now, I found out -
Every promise you made was kept.
You promised me that special car.
We’d ride the breeze beneath the stars.
We’d travel the world, see it together.
Our love would unfurl, always get better.
And after 40 it’s a fact,
I can look back at every step.
I see the proof, you told the truth -
Every promise you made was kept.
You promised me, when we were young,
I’d always be your special one.
Like roots of a tree, strong from the start,
Our love would be till death do us part.
After fourteen-thousand days,
Four children raised and gone;
Because of you, my dreams came true –
Every promise you made lives on.
Words & Music by: Mike Stout September, 2009