Memories of Mansfield

(Verse 1) In Mansfield town, back in '84, Life was hard, we were always fightin' for more. Down in the mines, where the sunlight never shone, We were diggin' deep, just to bring the coal back home. (Pre-Chorus) But times were changin', Thatcher had her way, She tore apart our lives, took our jobs away. In those terrace houses, where families used to thrive, Now we’re just strugglin', tryin' to survive. (Chorus) Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the miners used to sing, Now the streets are quiet, you can hear the sorrow ring. Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the Stags would play, We're holdin' on to memories of a brighter yesterday. (Verse 2) The Metal Box was hummin', makin' tins for the world, We worked our hands to the bone, every boy and girl. Friday nights at the Welfare, drinkin' away our pain, Laughin' with our brothers, dreamin' of the rain. (Pre-Chorus) But the strikes came down, and the pits shut tight, Left us in the darkness, without a guiding light. In those terrace houses, built on hopes and dreams, Now it's all unravelin', at the seams. (Chorus) Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the miners used to sing, Now the streets are quiet, you can hear the sorrow ring. Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the Stags would play, We're holdin' on to memories of a brighter yesterday. (Bridge) Oh, the Welfare’s still there, and the pints still pour, We gather and remember what we’re fightin' for. The spirit of our fathers, the pride in our veins, Even when we're broken, the soul remains. (Chorus) Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the miners used to sing, Now the streets are quiet, you can hear the sorrow ring. Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the Stags would play, We're holdin' on to memories of a brighter yesterday. (Outro) So here's to Mansfield, to the men underground, To the terraces, the Welfare, where our hearts were found. We'll keep on fightin', though the times are tough, 'Cause Mansfield’s got a spirit, and that spirit’s strong enough. (Musical fade-out with soulful instrumental) (Chorus) Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the miners used to sing, Now the streets are quiet, you can hear the sorrow ring. Mansfield, oh Mansfield, where the Stags would play, We're holdin' on to memories of a brighter yesterday. (Outro) So here's to Mansfield, to the men underground, To the terraces, the Welfare, where our hearts were found. We'll keep on fightin', though the times are tough, 'Cause Mansfield’s got a spirit, and that spirit’s strong enough. (Musical fade-out with soulful instrumental)