Goodbye Joe

Music: Shannon Rebecca Murray Background overview: High head and back unbending, fearless and true, Into the night unending; why was it you? Heart that was quick with song torn with their lead; Life that was young and strong, shattered and dead. Goobye,Joe Singer of manly songs, laughter and tears; Singer of Labor’s wrongs, joys, hopes and fears. Though you were one of us, what could we do? Joe, there was none of us needed like you. Goobye,Joe Each of us held his breath, tense with despair; You, who were close to death, seemed not to care. White-headed, loathsome power, knowing no pause, Sinking in Labor’s flower murderous claws. Goobye,Joe Boastful with leering eyes, blood-dripping jaws…. Accurst be the cowardice hidden in laws! Utah has drained your blood; white hands are wet; We of the “surging flood” never forget! Goobye,Joe Farewell my friend Our songster! Have your laws now had their fill? Know ye, his songs and cause, ye cannot kill! High head and back unbending, “rebel true blue,” Into the night unending; why was it you? Goobye,Joe Farewell my friend