Life is Jest Hard Work

Step out in the morning;

It’s drizzling rain.

Like to stay in bed;

Got to catch a train.

No thinking nice thoughts,

Same old same old daily news,

Got to go to work to

Earn your union dues.

Life’s jest hard work,

but whatcha gonna do?

Walk up the street;

Try to get across.

Get almost nearly hit.

Man yelps, “get a hoss!”

Home and wife nagging,

“Get to work, lazy man!”

Yakking in your ears;

Blisters on your hand.

Life’s jest hard work,

but whatcha gonna do?

You sweep the porch;

Dishes you wash.

Like to run away;

Get yourself lost,

But ain’t no use

Thinking this neither.

Won’t get no peace,

Until Saint Peter.

            Life’s jest hard work,

            but whatcha gonna do?

It’s a foggy morn,

Hear the distant horn.

Rain near hailing thorns.

Wish you ain’t born!

It goes dawn to dust,

Wishing for some fun;

Perhaps a little lust.

T’ain’t found either one.

            Life’s jest hard work,

            but whatcha gonna do?

Illustration: Miners - Source Unknown