Cirrus@Austlit

'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.