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Union Babies

from How Does Your Land Lie? by Nicky Swann

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about

Dr. John William Ley was a good man.
Born in Devon, John Ley followed his father into the medical profession. In 1866 he entered London Hospital as a first year student alongside fellow student, the now world famous, Thomas Banardo. They would follow similar paths doing much to improve health provision for the poor. Dr.Ley practiced in Newton Abbot at the end of the nineteenth century. He was so appalled by the conditions endured at the workhouses, especially by children, that Dr.Ley forced drastic reforms. In 1900 Dr.Ley published a book of verse narrating his experiences; this is one of his poems.

lyrics

Union Babies
Only the union babies,
I know that’s what they say
They’re only the little pauper kids
The ones they hide away
But say what does it matter?
What difference does it make?
No child should be neglected though
Its parents it forsake

All children claim and it’s their right
A chance to get them through this fight
Oh life and these poor little chicks
Though born within the workhouse bricks
Only the union babies
Now hear what I say
Should have such chances that we can give
As those in more comfort live

Whether a child of the poor or a child of the rich
Whether born in a palace, whether born in a ditch
Give each one a chance regardless of rank
Humanity cries and it’s her we must thank
Only the union babies
Now hear what I say
Give each a fair start that whatever the pace
Give each little kid a chance
Give each little kid a chance
Give each poor little kid a chance in this race

credits

from How Does Your Land Lie?, released December 12, 2012

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Nicky Swann England, UK

Award winning UK singer songwriter. Winner of Spiral Earth Best Original Song for 'Because of You' Her songs are rooted in human nature, history and her home in Devon.

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