my daddy was a miner
he did just about everything
and I grew up in a smelter town
I learned workin’ songs to sing
and every time I’d sing those songs
my daddy’s voice rings clear

he says yes I am a union man
my son will be a union man
join a union if you can, dear

my ma scrubbed floors all her life
she never saved a dime
and every time I look at her
I’d see the years in her eyes

she never had no union
she couldn’t compromise
all she wanted was equal pay
all she got was lies, lies, lies

yes I am a union man
my son will be a union man
join a union if you can, dear

they tried to close some doors to me
because of what I am
but I still live in a free country
I’ll join a union if I can

yes I am a union gal
my son will be a union man
join a union if you can, dear

yes I am a union man