Casey Jones-The Union Scab
Joe Hill wrote"Casey Jones" in 1911 as a topical comment on a
strike of Southern Pacific railroad workers in California.
The workers on the S.P. line to strike sent out a call;
But Casey Jones the engineer wouldn't strike at all. His
boiler it was leaking and his drivers on the bum, And his
engine and its bearings,they were all out of plumb. Casey
Jones kept his junkpile running, Casey Jones was working
double time. Casey Jones got a woodenmedal for being
good and faithful on the S.P. Line.
The workers said to Casey,"Won't you help us win this strike?"
But Casey said,"Let me alone. You'd better take a hike!"
Then Casey's wheezy engine ran right off the worn-out track,
And Casey hit the river with an awful crack. Casey Jones hit
the river bottom,Casey Jones broke his blooming spine.
Casey Jones became an angeleno,and took a trip to heaven
on the S.P. Line.
When Casey Jones got up to heaven-to the Pearly Gate,
He said,"I'm Casey Jones, the guy that pulled the S.P. freight."
"You're just the man,"said Peter. "Our musicians are on strike;
You can get a job a-scabbing any time you like."Casey Jones
got a job in heaven,Casey Jones was doing mighty fine.
Casey Jones went a-scabbing on the angels,Just like he did to
wokers on the S.P. Line. The angels got together and they said
it wasn't fair, For Casey Jones to go around a-scabbing
everywhere. The angels union Local Twenty-Three it sure was
there,And they pronptly fired Casey down the Golden Stair.
Casey Jones went to hell a-flying,Casey Jones,"the devil
said, "oh fine. Casey Jones,get busy shoveling sulphur;
That's what you get for scabbing on the S.P. Line.