The Murder Of Harry Simms

Comrades, listen to my story, comrades, listen to my song
I will tell you of a hero, who now is dead and gone
I will tell you of a young boy, whose age was just nineteen
He was the bravest union man, that I have ever seen

Harry Simms was a pal of mine, we labored side by side
Expecting to be shot on sight, or taken for a ride
By the coal bosses’ gun thugs, that roam from town to town
to shoot and kill our Comrades, where e’er they may be found

Harry Simms and I were parted at five o’clock that day
Be careful, My dear Comrade, to Harry I did say.
I must do my duty, was his reply to me,
If I get killed by gun thugs, don’t grieve after me.

Harry Simms was walking up the track, this bright sun-shiney day
He was a youth of courage, his step was light and gay
We did not know the gun thugs was hiding on the way
To kill our dear young comrade this bright sun-shiney day

Harry Simms was killed on Brush Creek, in nineteen thirty-two
He organized the the YCL, also the N.M.U.
He gave his life in struggle, that was all that he could do
He died to save the union, also for me and you

Comrades we must vow today, this is one thing we must do.
Must organize the miners in the dear old N.M.U.
And get a million volunteers into the Y.C.L.
And sink this rotten system in the deepest pits of Hell.