'Many miners came to the Hunter Valley and Gippsland (Victoria) from the coalfields of England, Wales and Scotland where there is a long tradition of mining songs and poems, a tradition they continued in their new country.4 The culture and folklore of coal mining communities are reflected in songs and poems that come, in the main, from within the communities. These give us a personal view not only of the industrial environment and working conditions of the pits, but also of life in coal towns. Jim Champion, a Lithgow (NSW) miner, is quoted by folklorist Warren Fahey as saying: ‘Music was very important to our community and we loved to hear songs, poems and stories about miners. It made us feel as one’.5
'This paper uses a selection of songs and verse from Australian coalfields to illustrate a range of themes. Texts are not reproduced in full but complete versions can be found in the appropriate references. A glossary of coal mining terms is provided.'
Source: From pg.1.
