Captain Swing

Now the sun’s gone down and the shutters drawn

The curfew bell is tolled

The fox is lurking around the barn

The barn owl’s wings unfold

In the candlelight, tonight you might, hear to your alarm

The midnight band of Captain Swing as he rides from farm to farm

 

[chorus]

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause, Captain Swing, not I

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause Captain Swing, not I

 

Now the sheep are safely in their fold

The shepherd deeply sleeps

The plough man reels back from his drink

Through woods, a poacher creeps

The squire retires on bed of brass, with one thing on his mind

If Captain Swing’s his way tonight, they’ll be no corn to grind

 

[chorus]

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause, Captain Swing, not I

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause Captain Swing, not I

 

Now the laboring man is on his knees

Nowhere can he get hired

Since you machines who do the work

The farmer has acquired

But how he sweats, when he reads the threats, on paper morning bring

Destroy your gear or else I swear, you’ll pay, signed Captain Swing

 

 

[chorus]

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause, Captain Swing, not I

All over Dorset, the flames are leaping high

Oh the ricks are burning and who’s the cause Captain Swing, not I