Brave men went to the deep blue sea, others went to ground
The greater the danger, the stronger they got, They weren't rich didn't have a lot
But their hearts were strong, this got them by,
Fish tin and copper, and pasty pie.
The fishing boats went far from land, leaving lives behind
Braving the weathers harsh and cruel, empty nets meant eating gruel
When there nets were full, relief would sigh
Mackerel pilchard and stargazy pie.
Men and boys went underground, for a lowly pay,
Drilling the rocks and breaking backs, pushing the ore on twisted tracks
They would work by day and night
In deadly rocks by candles light
Left at home were fretting wives, worry all around
If you lost your husband true, the company took the house from you
You will rear the next ships crew,
Or send them deep into the ground
It's the tale of a land so proud, it will never die
Cornish men are hard and sound, working the sea and breaking ground
Hardy men like these will thrive
Fish tin and copper keep them alive.